Taoyuan Pilots bids Ricci Rivero goodbye.
MANILA, Philippines—Ricci Rivero’s Taiwan stint was cut before it even officially started as he was released by the Taoyuan Pilots ahead of the P.League+ start.
The Pilots, via Facebook post, said Rivero’s injury issues were the reason for his contract’s termination.
“With mutual consents, the contract between Pilots and Ricci Rivero is terminated today. General manager Sean Chen said it was a hard decision,” the post read.
Chen also said that despite the former University of the Philippines standout being a “very skilled player with a great attitude,” his past injury limited his talents in the preseason.
“His past injury led him unable to show his best performance during the training and pre-season games,” the statement added.
Rivero signed with the Pilots in June, just a month after capturing the UAAP Season 84 basketball championship with the Fighting Maroons.
He flew to Taiwan to join the team in September, months before the opening of the P.League+ starting in December.