Ricci Rivero joins Blackwater’s PBA 3×3 team after failed Taiwan plans
Ricci Rivero joins a PBA 3×3 Blackwater Bossing Red President. –VIRTUAL PLAYGROUND PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ricci Rivero is beefing up Blackwater Bossing Red President in the third conference of the PBA 3×3.
Virtual Playground, Rivero’s management, on Wednesday bared that the University of the Philippines standout is taking his talents to Blackwater’s 3×3 team since his aborted Taiwan plans.
Article continues after this advertisementIt will be Rivero’s return to a competitive basketball tournament in the country since his plans to play for the Taoyuan Pilots in the P.League+ didn’t push through after the team released him prior to the season opener due to injury issues.
Rivero, arguably one of the tournament’s biggest signings, is expected to make his PBA 3×3 debut in Leg 6 this weekend at Robinsons’ Malate.
The 24-year-old winger is teaming up with his brother, Prince Rivero, and joining the Blackwater pool of players Hubert Cani, Alfrancis Tamsi, and Jeff Javillonar.
Article continues after this advertisementRivero is no stranger to the 3×3 tournament as he started playing for UP in the UAAP Season 82 men’s 3×3 in 2019 and campaigned for the national 3×3 youth team in the 2015 U18 World Championship with Kobe Paras, Mike Nieto, and Richard Escoto, and Mike Nieto.
He also saw action in the 2018 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup with RJ Abarrientos, Rhayyan Amsali, and Jeepy Faundo. He teamed up anew with Abarrientos, Amsali along with Barkley Ebona in the 3×3 Asia Cup the following year, finishing 16th place.
Blackwater is currently in 10th place with 141 points, needing to reach the top 8 to play in the Grand Finals.
