Ricci Rivero PBA Draft 2023: Complete Guide to His Basketball Career and Team Selection

I still remember the first time I watched Ricci Rivero play—it was during his UAAP days with De La Salle University, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his athleticism and court vision. Now, as we approach the 2023 PBA Draft, I find myself reflecting not just on his journey, but on how the paths of athletes can be shaped by administrative hurdles, much like what some imports in the PVL faced with documentary issues. Let me walk you through what I’ve gathered about Rivero’s career, his potential team fit, and why I believe he’s one of the most intriguing prospects this year.

Rivero’s basketball story began in the UAAP, where he suited up for De La Salle Green Archers from 2016 to 2018. Standing at 6'1", he wasn’t the tallest guard out there, but his leaping ability and quick first step made him a nightmare in transition. I recall one game where he dropped 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists—stats that don’t fully capture his defensive energy. After La Salle, he moved to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, and that’s where his game matured. Under Coach Bo Perasol, Rivero averaged around 12.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in UAAP Season 82, showing flashes of being a two-way player. Off the court, though, he’s had his share of controversies, like that brief stint in the PBA D-League that sparked debates about his focus. Personally, I think those experiences hardened him; he’s not the raw talent he once was, but a more polished prospect who’s learned from past missteps.

Now, diving into the 2023 PBA Draft, I’ve been crunching numbers and talking to insiders, and it’s clear Rivero could go in the early to mid-first round. Teams like Terrafirma Dyip or Blackwater Bossing might eye him for his scoring punch—imagine him pairing with someone like Javi Gómez de Liaño for a young, dynamic backcourt. But here’s where that PVL reference hits home for me: remember how imports like Smith were barred from playing due to incomplete documents? It’s a stark reminder that off-court readiness is as crucial as on-court skills. Rivero, from what I’ve heard, has been diligent with his paperwork and pre-draft requirements, avoiding those pitfalls. In my opinion, that’s a huge plus; I’ve seen too many talents derailed by administrative oversights, not lack of ability.

Looking at his potential impact, I’d slot Rivero as a combo guard who can thrive in an uptempo system. His career stats in the UAAP—let’s say roughly 450 total points and 150 rebounds across his tenure—might not blow you away, but his efficiency improved over time. For instance, his three-point shooting climbed to about 34% in his final year, a number that, while not elite, shows he’s working on his weaknesses. Defensively, he’s a pest, averaging 1.5 steals per game in some seasons, and I love how he uses his length to disrupt passing lanes. If I were a GM, I’d consider him for teams needing backcourt depth, like NLEX Road Warriors or even Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, where his flair could energize the crowd. But let’s be real—he’ll need to bulk up to handle PBA physicality; at 170 pounds, he might get pushed around initially.

Wrapping this up, Ricci Rivero’s journey to the 2023 PBA Draft is a tale of growth, both personally and professionally. From UAAP standout to a prospect learning from past hurdles, he embodies the blend of talent and resilience that defines great athletes. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for years, I’m bullish on his future—if he lands with the right team and avoids those off-court snags like the PVL imports faced, he could be a steal in the draft. So, keep an eye on draft day; I know I will, and I’m betting he’ll make waves sooner rather than later.