Ricci Rivero's 2023 PBA Draft Journey: Will He Make the Cut?
I still remember the first time I watched Ricci Rivero play basketball back in UAAP Season 80. The way he moved on the court - that explosive first step, those acrobatic layups - made me think he was destined for the PBA. Now here we are in 2023, and the big question hanging over Philippine basketball circles is whether he'll actually make the cut in this year's draft.
You know, watching players transition from college to professional basketball always reminds me of that peculiar situation in the PVL last year. Remember when all imports were barred from playing during that PVL-PNVF impasse? They were all in the same boat initially, but then there was that American reinforcement, Kristen Smith, who faced the ordeal twice because her documentary requirements remained incomplete. It makes you wonder - sometimes it's not just about talent, but about having all your ducks in a row when opportunity knocks.
Ricci's journey has been anything but straightforward. From his UAAP days with De La Salle University to his stint in the PBA D-League, he's shown flashes of brilliance that make scouts drool. I've counted at least 23 games where he scored in double digits while playing for the Maroons, and his social media following of over 1.2 million shows he's got that star quality the PBA desperately needs. But here's the thing that keeps me up at night - does he have the consistency to survive in the pros?
The PBA draft process can be brutal, and I've seen many promising college stars fade into obscurity. What makes Ricci's case particularly interesting is his unique skill set. At 6'1", he's not the tallest guard out there, but his athleticism is something special. I recall this one play against Ateneo where he literally jumped over two defenders for a putback dunk - the kind of highlight reel material that gets general managers talking.
But let's be real for a moment - the PBA isn't the UAAP. The physicality is different, the pace is faster, and the expectations are higher. I've spoken to at least five different team insiders, and their opinions are split right down the middle. Some see him as a potential starter within two years, while others think he might spend most of his rookie season riding the bench.
What really fascinates me about Ricci's draft stock is how it mirrors that PVL import situation I mentioned earlier. Like those foreign players who needed to complete their documents, Ricci needs to prove he has the complete package. It's not enough to be athletic or popular - you need the fundamentals, the basketball IQ, and most importantly, the mental toughness.
I was talking to a former PBA coach just last week, and he made an interesting point. He said Ricci reminds him of a young Paul Lee in terms of potential, but needs to work on his outside shooting. The numbers back this up - from what I've seen, his three-point percentage hovers around 28%, which needs improvement at the professional level.
The draft combine will be crucial for him. Teams will be watching how he performs in drills, how he interacts with potential teammates, and whether he can adapt to different coaching styles. Having followed his career since college, I genuinely believe he has what it takes, but he needs to show teams he's more than just a highlight reel.
There's also the business side of things that many fans don't consider. With his marketability and social media presence, Ricci could bring additional value to whichever team drafts him. I've seen estimates suggesting he could increase merchandise sales by 15-20% for his team, which isn't something teams take lightly in today's basketball economy.
As draft day approaches, I find myself thinking about all the variables at play. Which team needs a guard of his style? How will he fit into different systems? Will teams see him as a project player or someone who can contribute immediately? These are the questions that keep basketball analysts like me guessing until Commissioner Willie Marcial starts calling names.
Personally, I think he'll get drafted somewhere in the second round. Teams like Blackwater or Terrafirma could use his energy and scoring punch off the bench. But if he slips to the third round or goes undrafted, it wouldn't completely shock me either. The PBA draft has always been unpredictable that way.
At the end of the day, what matters most is what happens after the draft. Like Kristen Smith eventually getting her papers in order to play, Ricci will need to prove himself day in and day out. The draft is just the beginning of the journey, not the destination. And based on what I've seen from him over the years, I have a feeling this is one player who's determined to make the most of his opportunity, wherever he lands.