Ricci Rivero solid in PBA debut, but rookie thinks it’s ‘so-so’

RICCI Rivero had a solid showing in his very first PBA game, but he isn’t too happy with it.

The No. 17 pick in the Season 48 draft had 15 points in 18 minutes of play in Phoenix’s come-from-behind 113-101 win over NLEX on Friday. He also helped in the Fuel Masters’ comeback by hitting a three in the fourth quarter.

“It was so-so kasi I had a lot of lapses especially nung gitna,” said Rivero.

The former University of the Philippines guard might have been referring to the four fouls and the three turnovers he committed over the course of the game.

Rivero though credited Phoenix head coach Jamike Jarin for giving him and the rest of the team the opportunity to atone for their lapses in the game.

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

The Fuel Masters overcame a 16-point deficit and ended up leading by as many as 18.

“Pinabawi niya lang din ako kaya ‘yun ‘yung sinasabi niya palagi sa akin at sa iba rin na binibigyan niya kami ng confidence to get back up at bumawi kami kung may kailangan kaming bawiin. Or kung maganda ang laro namin, tuloy lang namin,” said Rivero.

Phoenix will have little time to celebrate as it faces an early test against tournament favorite Magnolia on Sunday at the Ynares Center.

“Nilipat namin ‘yung focus namin right after the buzzer. ‘Yun ang usapan namin sa team. Makikinig lang naman kami kay coach Jamike,” he said. “Ako, ‘yun din rin naman ang ginawa ko. Ako talaga, all praises kay coach Jamike.”

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