Ricci Rivero will still play out his final year with University of the Philippines.
Despite the cancellation of UAAP Season 83 and his eligibility for the upcoming 2021 PBA Draft, the 6-foot-1 swingman still plans to settle some unfinished business when the UAAP Season 84 tournament rolls around.
“Oo naman. Sobrang play ako diyan,” the 22-year-old declared during Virtual Playground’s Virtual Dugout.
“Pinangako ko ‘yan at tutuparin ko ‘yan. Hindi lang ito para sa sarili ko, kung hindi para sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa akin.”
In his first year with UP after transferring from La Salle, Rivero averaged 7.14 points, 5.43 rebounds, 2.57 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
But with Juan Gomez de Liaño most likely no longer eligible to play in the UAAP, he knows that he is needed by the Fighting Maroons, setting aside the interested PBA teams that are interested in him.
Regarding his career off the court, Rivero knows that though he is earning good money in show business, he is still an athlete by trade.
“Mas kinikilala ko pa rin ang sarili ko as an athlete. Doon ko talaga nakikita sarili.
“Sobrang saya ko na ibang path ‘tong hosting. Something na hindi ko na-experience,” said the host of TV5’s Sunday Noontime Live.
With this, the one-time UAAP champion will form a formidable backcourt with CJ Cansino when the season tips-off.
