Blessing in disguise for Rivero as draft slide leads to Jarin reunion
At A Glance
- Ricci Rivero was hardly worried about his surprising slide to the second round of the 48th Season PBA rookie draft, knowing full well he can make an impact with Phoenix especially under head coach Jamike Jarin.
Ricci Rivero was hardly worried about his surprising slide to the second round of the 48th Season PBA Rookie Draft, knowing full well he can make an impact with Phoenix especially under head coach Jamike Jarin.

Projected as a first rounder in most mock drafts from observers and pundits, Rivero found himself falling to the lap of the Fuel Masters in the second round and 17th overall pick – some sort of blessing in disguise as he gets reunited with Jarin, a coach he has been very much familiar with.
“Nagdasal lang naman ako before the draft sabi ko kung saan man ako mapupunta for sure iyon yung gusto Niya and mataas man 'yan o hindi basta dun sa team na makakatulong ako yung at least maging okay yung team sa makukuha nila from me,” said Rivero.
“I’m just really excited and happy kasi at least may idea ako kung anong gusto ni coach Jamike kasi nagsama na kami before and ready lang ako kung ano man ang kailangan kong gawin para makatulong lang rin sa team,” he commented about his reunion with Jarin who he played for during his time in the Batang Gilas program.
The addition of the UP alumnus certainly gives Phoenix a huge boost on the guard spot especially following the departure of another athletic guard in Encho Serrano last season.
Rivero, along with sixth overall pick Ken Tuffin and 16th pick Raffy Verano, could provide potent offensive options for the Fuel Masters, easing some load from the shoulders of lead guard Tyler Tio.
For Rivero though, he was just excited to set foot on the hardcourt after the aborted Taiwan stint and brief action in the 3x3 circuit.
“Ako, excited lang talaga kasi for the longest time I’ve been waiting to be able to play again and kasi hindi rin natuloy yung stint ko sa Taiwan and kaya nagpakita rin ako for a while dun sa 3x3 kaya ngayon,” said Rivero.