It will be the first in the PBA of the former NBA forward.
Many fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of rookie Ricci Rivero for the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the upcoming PBA Commissioner's Cup. He was predicted to be a top-five pick but dropped as the 17th overall pick.
This could fuel him, pun unintended, to prove to everyone that he's better than the guys picked over him.
Fortunately, he said Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin is all about giving equal opportunities to everyone, including still-unproven neophytes.
"Sa practice games namin, lahat talaga naglalaro. Everyone gets the chance to play, pinapabawi ng coaches (kapag nagkamali), binibigyan talaga ng opportunities lahat. Talagang lahat kami nabibigyan ng enough chances to showcase our talent," said Rivero during the PBA Media Day on Tuesday.
The high-flying guard also expressed optimism over their import Johnathan Williams. He wasn't selected in the 2018 NBA Draft but still made his way to the league, getting brief stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards.
"Very down-to-earth, the skill set is there, galing din sa NBA, bata pa, tapos athletic siya and really agile. We trust him a lot," said Rivero when asked to describe the 28-year-old Williams.
Rivero admitted that they're not thinking about a specific spot in the team standings. Instead, he said the Fuel Masters will be more about sticking to their system.
"I have so much trust in what we have. For me, the lineup is deep. Medyo bata 'yung lineup pero sobrang laki ng natututunan namin sa veterans," added the former UP Fighting Maroons star.
Rivero, who's extra inspired these days because of his girlfriend, beauty queen Leren Mae Bautista, is one of the three rookies included in Phoenix's roster, including Matthew Daves and Kenneth Tuffin.
The Fuel Masters will face the NLEX Road Warriors on November 10 for their opening game in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
(With reports from Mei-Lin Lozada)