Ricci Rivero commits to DLSU Green Archers

MANILA, Philippines – La Salle Greenhills standout Ricci Rivero has officially committed to the De La Salle Green Archers, he confirmed to Rappler on Tuesday, March 8.

Rivero previously told the media that he was “most probably” going to play for DLSU in the UAAP seniors division if he wouldn’t play collegiate basketball in the United States, where he was going to visit a few schools this summer.

When asked if Rivero still plans to go to the States, he responded: “No comment po as of now.”

Rivero joins his elder brother Prince, an incoming third year player for La Salle, which will be under new head coach Aldin Ayo when Season 79 kicks off in 2016.

The 17-year-old talent averaged 25.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.9 blocks a contest during his senior campaign with La Salle Greenhills in the latest NCAA juniors tourney.

“I really wanted to play for La Salle po and I want to play with my brother,” Rivero told Rappler on Tuesday.

“I’m so excited to play with him because he’s like a playing coach every time we play together,” the younger Rivero added about his older brother, who was one of the UAAP’s most improved players last season.

“[Also] because of Boss ECJ (Danding Cojuangco), and boss Raffy Villavicencio, and also [assistant] coach Paolo Sauler and coach Aldin [Ayo] told me their plans for me, and I know that I will grow as a better player because of them.”

La Salle is looking to bounce back from its disappointing 6-8, fifth-place finish last UAAP season as it missed the Final Four round.

UAAP juniors MVP Aljun Melecio has also already committed to the Green Archers, who are expected to have veterans Jeron Teng and Thomas Torres both back in action next season.

Foreign student-athlete Ben Mbala is also expected to make his debut with De La Salle. – Rappler.com