What’s important is he will play for a team that wants him.
Ricci Rivero didn’t mind dropping to the second round of the PBA Draft on Sunday at the Market! Market! in Taguig.
Widely expected as a first rounder, the crafty guard out of UP Fighting Maroons was only tabbed as 17th overall pick by the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
The number didn’t matter for Rivero, who was embroiled in various issues prior to the Draft. What’s important is he will suit up for a team that wants him.
“Kanina nagdasal lang ako before the draft, sabi ko kung saan man ako mapunta, for sure ‘yun ang gusto Niya,” he said. “Mataas man o hindi basta makakatulong ako. At least maging OK ‘yung team sa makukuha nila from me.”
This will also be a reunion of sorts for Rivero and Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin.
“Just excited kasi sina coach Jamike kasama ko. I’ve been with him since high school ako,” he said of his former national youth team coach. “Aware na ako sa kung anong gusto ni coach Jamike. Mas mapapadali din kaya excited na ako.”
Apart from that, he is also thrilled to go up against former collegiate teammates like Converge FiberXers guard Aljun Melecio.
“I’ve been talking to them. Excited na kaming magkikita-kita. Hindi na nga lang kami magkakakampi,” he said.
After failing to make his debut in Taiwan, Rivero is just thrilled to continue his basketball journey in the Philippines.
"Excited lang talaga ako. I've been waiting to be able to play again," he said.
(GM)