Ricci Paolo Uy Rivero, born on May 25, 1998, in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines, is a professional basketball player and actor who has become a prominent figure in the Philippine sports and entertainment scene.
Known for his dynamic playing style, characterized by lightning-fast speed, high-flying dunks, and acrobatic moves, Rivero has captured the attention of fans and scouts alike.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, he plays as a shooting guard and small forward, showcasing versatility on the court.
Beyond basketball, Rivero has ventured into acting, appearing in films like Otlum (2018) and Day Zero (2022).
Siblings
Ricci comes from a basketball-loving family, with three brothers who share his passion for the sport, namely Prince, Rasheed, and Gelo Rivero.
Prince Rivero, born on February 19, 1995, is the eldest and a well-known basketball player in his own right.
Like Ricci, Prince played for the De La Salle Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), where the brothers were teammates, showcasing their strong familial bond on the court.
Prince has since transitioned to professional basketball, playing for teams like Rain or Shine in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Rasheed Rivero, another sibling, is also involved in basketball, though less is publicly documented about his career compared to his brothers.
He has been seen supporting his siblings at games and participating in family-oriented activities, such as community outreach in their hometown of Ilagan.
The youngest, Gelo Rivero, is an emerging talent who has followed in his brothers’ footsteps, playing for La Salle Green Hills in the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Basketball Tournament.
Career
Rivero’s basketball journey began in his hometown of Ilagan before he moved to Manila to attend La Salle Green Hills for his secondary education.
During his final high school year in 2015, he averaged an impressive 25.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, though his team fell to the Arellano Braves in the playoffs.
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In 2016, Rivero joined the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP, contributing to their championship win in his rookie season.
His sophomore year in 2017 was a breakout, averaging 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, leading the Archers to the UAAP Finals.
Jowever, in January 2018, Rivero, along with Prince and teammate Brent Paraiso, was suspended from the team due to endorsement deals that violated team rules., in January 2018, Rivero, along with Prince and teammate Brent Paraiso, was suspended from the team due to endorsement deals that violated team rules.
This prompted Ricci to leave De La Salle and join the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in May 2018.
After sitting out Season 81 due to eligibility rules, he debuted for UP in Season 82, helping the team reach the semifinals.
In Season 84, Rivero played a key role in UP’s championship victory.
His professional career took him to the Taoyuan Pilots in Taiwan’s P. League+ in 2022, but an ankle injury cut his stint short.
Returning to the Philippines, he signed a short-term deal with the Blackwater Bossing Red President in the PBA 3×3 league in 2023 and later joined the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA after being selected 17th overall in the Season 48 draft.
Beyond basketball, Rivero has expanded his career into entertainment, hosting Sunday Noontime Live! on TV5 in 2020 and appearing in various advertisements, including a Pepsi ad displayed in Times Square, New York City, in 2021.
Accolades
In 2017, during his time with the De La Salle Green Archers, Rivero earned a spot on the UAAP Mythical Five, recognizing him as one of the top players in the league.
That same year, he was named the UAAP Most Improved Player, reflecting his significant growth and contributions on the court.
His rookie season in 2016 saw him contribute to the Green Archers’ UAAP Season 79 championship. Internationally, Rivero has represented the Philippines with distinction, starting with the U16 national team that swept the SEABA Championships in 2013.
He also competed in the 2015 FIBA 3×3 U18 World Championship and the 2018 U23 3×3 World Cup, though an ankle injury limited his participation in the 2019 3×3 Asia Cup.
His inclusion in the “23 for 23” pool for the 2023 FIBA World Cup underscored his potential, even though he was later excluded from the final lineup.
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