Ricci Rivero is looking forward to a great playing experience as the first Asian to play as an import in Taiwan’s P.League+ for the Taoyuan Pilots.
The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout said this following his departure to Taiwan on Monday via China Air.
The 24-year-old Rivero said he is getting ready to begin his professional journey.
“I know that the adjustment of moving away from my home country will be difficult but with the support of over 150,000 Filipinos working and living there, I believe I won’t feel alone,” said Rivero in a statement to the Manila Standard.
Rivero will go into training once he’s done with the mandatory seven-day quarantine period, upon arrival in Taoyuan.
Due the COVID19 restrictions on his tourist visa, Rivero’s family won’t be able to accompany him.
“Humuhugot po ako ng lakas ng loob sa mga Pilipino na matagal din nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa para sa kanilang mga pamilya,” said Rivero.
Rivero recently skipped the Philippine Basketball Association rookie draft to accept an offer to turn pro in Taiwan.
The P. League+ is the first fully professional basketball league in Taiwan after the Chinese Basketball Alliance ended in 2000. The Pilots joined two years ago.
