Rivero is arguably one of the most talented players in this year's PBA Draft.
High-flying Ricci Rivero is just one of a record 128 players hoping to hear their names called in the 2023 PBA Draft on Sunday. But he also happens to be one of the most notable names in this class, making a name for himself in the UAAP playing for the De La Salle Green Archers first and then the UP Fighting Maroons.
But he has since fell off the radar so to speak, sidetracked by the pandemic and some colorful extracurriculars outside of hoops. In fact, One Sports’ recent mock draft had Rivero falling all the way to ninth, just behind Ken Tuffin and Brandon Bates and ahead of only Christian David, Fran Yu, and Tsutomu Tateishi.
Regardless, basketball talent just doesn’t vanish without a trace. It doesn’t dissipate just like that—and it might be the case exactly with the former Fighting Maroon.
And, on Thursday, Rivero posted a trio of highlights on Instagram Stories just days before the 2023 PBA Draft set to be held at Market! Market! in Taguig.
Now, the three Stories could be innocuous at best. But given the timing of the posts and the content, it is safe to surmise that they are in a way compelling reminders of what Rivero can bring to the table for the team that will draft him.
Take a look at Rivero throwing down an alley-oop on the break:
Here's Rivero cleaning up a miss in a most vicious way:
Watch as Rivero snakes his way through the defense:
So, what does Rivero bring to the table?
Athleticism—lots of it. And some unreal bounce. Sprinkle in some creative playmaking, too. Now, that’s a pretty good combination.
But will teams buy what Rivero is selling?
Find out on Sunday.