RICCI Rivero took to heart the lessons he learned when he was still a part of the JrNBA Presented by Alaska program in 2013.
The discipline on and off the court, and the skills which coach Louie Gonzales taught during his days at the national training camp were never forgotten.
In the years that followed, Rivero became one of the vital cogs of the La Salle Greenhills Greenies in their campaign in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Junior Basketball Tournament.
He averaged 27 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.9 steals the past two seasons. Rivero led the Greenies to the Final Four last season.
Peter Atencio
“Super thankful ako sa season na natapos. At ang dami kong experience at natutunan,” said Rivero when he showed up during the launch of the 2016 JrNBA/JrWNBA Presented by Alaska last weekend at the Don Bosco, Makati.
Gonzales personally helped Rivero hone his skills as a forward during the 2013 camp.
The STAR values—which include sportsmanship, teamwork, attitude and respect—taught Rivero how he should always conduct himself on and off the court.
Now that the NCAA season is over, and the schoolyear is about to end, Rivero is focusing in his coming stint in college. His father Paolo said he will most likely join the La Salle Green Archers when he graduates.
While waiting for graduation, Rivero is busy practicing with the Gilas Pilipinas Under-18 national pool. He hopes to be selected for the national squad which will see action in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association tourney later this year.
Rivero finished his junior playing years with La Salle Greenhills losing to Arellano University, 74-75, in the stepladder Final Four playoffs in the NCAA Season 91 juniors basketball.
Rivero is bent on becoming an integral part of the La Salle Green Archers lineup in the coming season.
Another high school standout and a former JrNBA alumni as well in La Salle Zobel star Aljun Melecio has also committed to play for La Salle after having a word with team manager and patron Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr.