Ricci Rivero is the latest move by Phoenix Fuel Masters, who also traded the No. 2 overall pick for Bryan Santos and the eighth pick.
Ricci Rivero is staying put with Phoenix.
The Fuel Masters locked up Rivero for the long haul after the two parties agreed to an extension Thursday, September 11.
Terms of the deal, however, were not revealed.
Rivero has been a key piece for the young core of the rebuilding Fuel Masters since being drafted 17th overall in the 2023 Draft.
The crafty guard normed 6.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in last season’s Philippine Cup.
Phoenix, however, failed to reach the playoffs in Season 49.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: New Phoenix coach Willy Wilson set sights on bringing Fuel Masters back to playoffs]
This is the latest offseason move by the Fuel Masters, who also made a trade for sweetshooting Bryan Santos and the No. 8 pick in the recent draft with the second overall pick.
Phoenix used the said pick to tab big man Will Gozum.
[ALSO READ: Converge sends Bryan Santos to Phoenix for second pick in PBA Season 50 Draft]
With an intact young core intact and the acquisition of Gozum and Santos, the Fuel Masters, under the guidance of new coach Willy Wilson, are hell-bent on making a push for the playoffs in the league’s golden anniversary.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.