I still remember the first time I saw Ricci Rivero play professionally—it was during his UAAP days with the De La Salle Green Archers, and even then, you could tell there was something special about his game. Fast forward to today, and he’s carving out his own path in the PBA, steadily becoming one of the most talked-about rising stars in Philippine basketball. It’s fascinating to watch players like him evolve, especially when you consider how their journeys sometimes mirror those of athletes in other sports. Take Jia de Guzman, for example—she spent two impactful years with Japan’s Denso Airybees before returning to lead Alas Pilipinas, and that kind of international experience often adds layers to a player’s maturity and adaptability. In Ricci’s case, while he hasn’t had a lengthy overseas stint like Jia, his transition from college hoops to the PBA has been marked by a similar kind of growth, both on and off the court.

When Ricci entered the PBA, there was a mix of excitement and skepticism. Some fans wondered if his flashy style—those highlight-reel dunks and smooth drives—would translate well in a league known for its physicality and structured systems. But I’ve always believed that players with his athleticism and basketball IQ find a way to adapt. In his rookie season with Rain or Shine, he averaged around 9.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game—solid numbers, but what stood out to me was his efficiency in limited minutes. He shot close to 48% from the field, which, for a guard in his first year, is pretty impressive. It reminded me of how Jia de Guzman’s time with Denso Airybees honed her decision-making under pressure; Ricci, too, seems to have embraced the PBA’s faster pace without losing his creative edge. I’ve followed his games closely, and what strikes me is how he’s learning to pick his spots—when to explode to the rim and when to dish it out to an open teammate. It’s a skill that can’t be taught overnight, and honestly, I think he’s ahead of the curve compared to many guards who entered the league in the last five years.

One thing that sets Ricci apart, in my opinion, is his work ethic. I’ve heard from insiders that he puts in extra hours on shooting drills and film study, something that doesn’t always show up in stat sheets but pays off in clutch moments. Last conference, he had a game where he dropped 18 points against a top-tier defensive team like San Miguel—a performance that, frankly, silenced a lot of doubters. It’s moments like these that make me optimistic about his trajectory. Sure, he’s had off-nights, like that 4-point outing against Ginebra where he struggled from beyond the arc, but every rising star has those bumps. What matters is how he bounces back. I recall Jia de Guzman’s adaptation period with Denso Airybees; she faced tougher competition there, but it ultimately made her a more versatile leader for Alas Pilipinas. Similarly, Ricci’s exposure to PBA veterans is accelerating his development in ways that college ball never could.

Off the court, Ricci’s presence is just as impactful. He’s built a strong social media following—over 1.5 million followers on Instagram alone—and uses it to connect with fans in a way that feels genuine. I appreciate how he shares snippets of his training routines and personal milestones; it humanizes him and makes the journey relatable. This kind of engagement isn’t just good for his brand—it’s good for the league, drawing in younger audiences who might not have been PBA fans otherwise. Compare that to Jia de Guzman’s influence after her Denso Airybees stint; her return to the Philippines sparked renewed interest in volleyball, and I see parallels in how Ricci’s story is helping basketball stay relevant in a crowded sports landscape.

Looking ahead, I’m bullish on Ricci’s potential. If he continues to refine his three-point shooting—which hovers around 32% right now—and cuts down on turnovers (he averaged about 2.1 per game last season), he could easily become an All-Star within the next two years. I’d love to see him take on more leadership roles, maybe even mentoring younger players as he gains experience. Reflecting on Jia de Guzman’s path, her time with Denso Airybees didn’t just make her a better setter; it gave her a global perspective that she now brings to Alas Pilipinas. For Ricci, the PBA is his proving ground, and if he keeps this up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him represent the Philippines internationally someday. In a league filled with talent, he’s proving that hard work, adaptability, and a bit of flair can take you far—and as a fan, that’s exactly the kind of story I enjoy watching unfold.