Ricci Rivero, Brent Paraiso try their luck in upcoming PBA Rookie Draft

FILE–Ricci Rivero. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ricci Rivero and Brent Paraiso officially threw in their hats into the 2023 PBA Draft.

Rivero and Paraiso, who have a combined count of five titles in the NCAA and UAAP, were among the early names to declare for the PBA Draft.

“Just looking forward and excited for what’s to come,” said Rivero. “It was a decision made by me, my family and management. It wasn’t so easy but it (also) wasn’t that hard.”

Rivero, whose overseas career in Taiwan was cut short due to injury woes, capped off his collegiate career with a title for the University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 84.

Paraiso, meanwhile, made his name known in the NCAA by helping Letran pull off the three-peat in Seasons 97 and 98.

Both players also won their first titles with the Green Archers back in 2016 under coach Aldin Ayo, who is now leading the Converge FiberXers in the PBA.

Letran guard Brent Paraiso. NCAA PHOTO

Rivero said would be delighted to join any team he can have a huge impact on.

“Whatever team I can help with more,” he said.

Rivero posted averages of 14.67 points, 1.33 assists and 3.33 steals for the Fighting Maroons in his last UAAP Finals series against Ateneo.

Paraiso, meanwhile, bolstered his stock in his final season with the Knights, averaging 10.5 points, four rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

The PBA Draft will take place in late September, a few weeks after the Fiba World Cup.