Former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons star Ricci Rivero will be playing for the Pilots in the P.League+, becoming the very first Filipino to play as a world import in Taiwan.
Various offers came pouring in for the services of the athletic and crafty 6-foot-1 guard, especially after helping the Fighting Maroons come away with the UAAP men’s basketball title this year. However, the 24-year old chose to go with the Pilots.
“I simply gave so much value to persistence. Taoyuan was around since the decision to go pro came into the picture,” Rivero was quoted as saying in an article on Tiebreaker Times.
“They remained consistent on appreciating my value as a player and how they’re putting their trust in Filipinos. I also wanted to challenge myself in all aspects of being the first Filipino to play in P.League+,” he added.
Rivero is already familiar with how basketball is in Taiwan as he made a name for himself there in 2017, when he helped lead La Salle’s campaign in the Buddha Light International Association Cup. Along the way, Rivero picked up the Most Excellent Player of the Tournament plum.
He will be trying to help a Pilots team that finished with a miserable 7-22 record last year. With that in mind, Rivero said he’ll give his all to elevate the team to new heights.
“There’s nothing that I can promise right now, but just to remain at my 100-percent best to help my team and deliver what is expected of me. I won’t be playing for my personal limelight in Taiwan – I’d rather want to see the entire team gracing the headlines,” said Rivero.