After the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons took down the De La Salle University Green Archers, Sunday afternoon, Ricci Rivero raised his fist facing the Iskos and Iskas in atendance to sing ‘UP Aming Mahal’. Afterwards, he turned to the La Sallians, still with his fist raised, and join in the ‘Hail to thee our Alma Mater’ hymn.
“Sobrang weird nung feeling.”
Yes, it was that kind of a day for the 20-year-old.
Last April 5, Rivero, who is a product of the La Salle Green Hills program, left De La Salle University. 43 days later, he committed to University of the Philippines.
And he was torn when the Fighting Maroons took on the Green Archers for the first-time this season. But at the end of the day, it was time to move forward as he cheered for UP.
“Kahit sobrang tagal ko na sa La Salle ever since I was in first year high school pa, iba kasi yung na feel ko nung pag transfer ko ng UP,” Rivero, who averaged 9.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists during his two-year stay in La Salle, told Danine Cruz of ABS-CBN Sports.
“Siyempre, kung nasaan ako ngayon, siyempre yun ang isu-support ko. Kapag sinabi mo kasing La Salle, parang iba iniisip ng tao eh. Pero itong UP kasi naging special siya to me nung kailangan ko ng next family sila yung tumayong family for me.”
Seeing the Fighting Maroons do battle, the 6-foot-1 swingman can’t wait for the time when it’s his turn to step on the floor.
“Sobrang excited ako ngayon.
“Nung pag start ko sa UP kasi, nag training ako with them, after Serbia, when we got back here, nag focus ako muna sa studies kasi yun nga malaking transition eh. Masaya kasi yun nga, ibang culture talgaa, sobrang iba. I’m learning a lot from UP,” he shared.
