Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
La Salle continues to lose key cogs from its core in the past two seasons.
High-flying Ricci Rivero and brother Prince are reportedly out of the squad along with third-string guard Brent Paraiso over what the school calls a violation of certain university policies.
La Salle’s Office of Sports Development, meanwhile, issued a statement clarifying that the Riveros and Paraiso are still enrolled in Taft, but were asked to go on leave from the team after enforcing a policy “that prohibits players to enter into sponsorship agreements with commercial entities.”
De La Salle University – Office Of Sports Development’s Official Statement:
The DLSU Men’s Basketball Team management announces that they have implemented a policy that prohibits players to enter into sponsorship agreements with commercial entities. 1/4
— DLSU Sports (@dlsusports) February 2, 2018
This will allow the players to focus on the games and team practices without any restrictions. 2/4
— DLSU Sports (@dlsusports) February 2, 2018
In this connection, team members Prince Rivero, Ricci Rivero, and Brent Paraiso have requested to go on leave from the basketball team to honor their contractual obligations to their existing endorsements. 3/4
— DLSU Sports (@dlsusports) February 2, 2018
Prince, Ricci, and Brent are currently enrolled in the University and are attending their respective classes. 4/4
— DLSU Sports (@dlsusports) February 2, 2018
The statement did not expound on what endorsement deals violated university rules.
Sources close to the situation confirmed that the Riveros and Paraiso may have been axed on a more serious violation but gave no further details.
Ricci, 19, experienced a huge surge in his performance this past UAAP Season 80, averaging 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals in his sophomore year, which merited him a spot in the Mythical Team.
His stellar play also earned him an invite to Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes’ “23-for-23” cadet list for the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
With the Riveros leading the way, La Salle won a UAAP title and a runnerup finish over the last two seasons.
The brothers’ departure is just the latest in a string of exits from La Salle following head coach Aldin Ayo bolting to University of Santo Tomas and two-time UAAP MVP Ben Mbala deciding to turn pro in Mexico.
INQUIRER.net tried to get the side of all parties involved, but they have yet to respond to the queries.