Rivero, ober the bakod sa UP Maroons

MAKALIPAS ang mahigit isang buwan ding hulaan at paghihintay, nakapag desisyon na rin ang naging kontrobersiyal na dating manlalaro ng De La Salle na si Ricci Rivero kung saan sya maglalaro pagkaraang lisanin ang Taft-based squad.

Makakasama na ang nakaraang UAAP Season 80 Mythical Team member ang kapwa Gilas cadet na si Juan Gomez de Liano sa University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Kinumpirma ng 19-anyos na swingman ang paglipat niya sa UP sa kanyang post sa kanyang social media account kung saan nakasuot siya ng t-shirt ng UP Fighting Maroons.

“They told me that UP Maroons fans were crazy about the team and were there for them, win or lose. I saw that, too, when I played against them; sobrang ingay ng mga taga-UP; ‘di mo alam kung lamang sila ng sampu o lamang ang kalaban nila ng sampu,” pahayag ni Rivero..

“I am thankful that the University of the Philippines has offered me a chance to continue chasing my dreams, and I am honored to announce that I have accepted their invitation to join the UP Fighting Maroons.”

Ganap na nilisan ni Rivero at ng kapatid na si Prince ang green archers noong Abril 5.

Kinakailangan niyang mag-sitout ngayong taon para sa residency rule at inaasahang magiging malaking karagdagan sa koponan ng Maroons sa susunod na season at papalit sa maiiwang puwang ni Paul Desiderio na graduating na ngayong season.

“We did our due diligence and took a long, hard look at Ricci, and it’s clear to us that he will be an asset to the team and the university,” pahayag ni UP coach Bo Perasol.