With the departure of center and UAAP Season 80 Most Valuable Player Ben Mbala, looks like another player from the Taft-based squad is leaving the premises.
Small forward Ricci Rivero took it to his Twitter account that he will no longer play for De La Salle University’s Men’s Basketball team.
All good things come to an end. Thank You to the La Sallian community for the support you've given me. The Animo spirit will always be with me. Its now time to move forward🏀🤘🏻
— Ricci Rivero (@_ricciiirivero) April 5, 2018
Rivero, who played for DLSU for two years, contributed to the UAAP Season 79 championship under the leadership of then-rookie coach Aldin Ayo as well as a Finals appearance against the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles last season, where he also earned a slot in the Mythical Five then.
News broke out early this year that he, along with his teammates, brother Prince and Brent Paraiso, were cut from the DLSU Green Archers last January.
Drama and speculation spread where the university’s official statement indicated that Rivero’s suspension was due to “endorsement deals” that went in conflict with a team regulation, while other rumors circulated that the three failed drug tests.
Rivero, however, also used his Twitter account to validate the said speculations.
Its been a while, once and for all allow me to open my heart to answer your questions. May God bless us all. Thank You po. pic.twitter.com/2ykpNZzLQA
— Ricci Rivero (@_ricciiirivero) March 7, 2018
No announcements have been made where Rivero’s bound to transfer, nor statements released from Prince and Paraiso about them departing the team as well.
Good luck, Ricci!
Disclaimer: WheninManila.com does not own the photo above. Credits go to Rappler.
