Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Ricci Rivero during a PBA Governors’ Cup game against NLEX. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ricci Rivero didn’t take it easy on himself following Phoenix’s exit in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
After the Fuel Masters’ last game in the group stages where they lost at the hands of NLEX, 104-79, Rivero expressed his disappointment in himself for not being able to help Phoenix rack more wins in the import-laden conference.
“For me, I don’t want to take things lightly. I’m not used to losing but I can’t do much about it unless I fix myself first,” said the sophomore guard.
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“I want to focus on myself. I’m disappointed, not with the team or my teammates, because I think I could’ve done some things better or I’ve done more for the team and made things easier for my teammates.”
In Phoenix’s swan song in the Governors’ Cup, Rivero finished with just seven points and three assists which weren’t enough to boost the Fuel Masters to a winning conclusion to an otherwise abysmal season.
It certainly didn’t help that import Brandone Francis played with a groin injury that limited his playing time to just 16 minutes. He finished with just four points.
But instead of pointing fingers, Rivero reiterated that the team needs to stick together even after a forgettable conference.
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“I’m disappointed but as long as we stick together, we treasure that. In the coming next conference we’ll for sure start very strong,” said Rivero.
In the University of the Philippines’ product’s first conference after his rookie year, he posted 7.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
Those aren’t leaping numbers to some extent but Rivero’s best game came when Phoenix faced off against none other than juggernaut San Miguel in August where he scored a conference-high 15 points.
If Rivero has anything to say about it, he hopes to do more of that performance heading into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and he knows what exactly he needs to do to get that consistency.
“I was talking to my trainers because ever since the conference started, I trained twice a day but I think I need to do more of that often,” said Rivero.
“That’s the only thing I can control so I want to focus on myself.”