TORN between two lovers, so to speak, Ricci Rivero won't be taking sides as his two champion schools face off in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball finals.
Rivero, who received his championship ring on Monday evening as part of La Salle's last title-winning team in 2016, was also an integral member of University of the Philippines' most recent champion squad in 2021.
READ: UAAP Finals offers a lot of firsts for UP, La Salle, Topex and Lopez
Although the two-time UAAP champion left the Taft side rather unceremoniously two years since the Green Archers' title romp, Rivero had no ill feelings in his first visit to La Salle since his abrupt departure.
"It feels great kasi for the longest time, naging motivation ko and inspiration ko coming into previous seasons ko 'yung sarap sa feeling na mag-champion (with La Salle in 2016). I’m just really happy and glad na nakita ko ulit yung mga taong kasama ko during that journey.
"Ako, ever since naman, sobrang naging thankful ako sa (Lasallian) community. I’m just happy to be back kasi I haven’t been here since the day I left," Rivero said.
Green or maroon?
During the Animo Champions ring ceremony event for La Salle's last five UAAP men's basketball champion teams, Rivero gave his two cents on the forthcoming battle of his two 'equally deserving' schools for the crown.
"Sobrang excited ako for both teams. First sa UP, kasi 'yun talaga 'yung goal nila and nakikita ko 'yun ever since. At least, nandoon na sila ngayon and siyempre hindi 'yun 'yung reason for them to stop.
"Sa La Salle naman, sobrang excited ako kasi sobra yung pag-peak nila this season. Na-sweep nila yung second round coming into Final Four, then they beat NU by a lot. I’m happy for La Salle kasi at last nakabalik na rin sila sa finals," Rivero said.
"Kitang-kita natin kung paano na-dominate ng both teams 'yung league and I’m excited kasi parehong deserving yung nando'n sa spot (to fight for the championship)," he added.
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