Ricci Rivero carries expectation heading into Govs’ Cup

Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Ricci Rivero during a game against TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—It’s not surprising that Phoenix guard Ricci Rivero will enter the PBA Governors’ Cup with a chip on his shoulder.

After all, he had a pretty good Commissioner’s Cup run, which his coach Charles Tiu certainly took notice.

“Ricci’s been getting there. He knows the role I have for him and what I expect of him so I’m hoping he’ll be up for the challenge,” Tiu told the Inquirer on Saturday.

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“Obviously, I want him to be a bit more consistent. That’s a challenge for him if he really wants to be considered as a star of this league, he has to be that on both ends.”

Rivero carried much of the Fuel Masters’ scoring load in the previous conference, scoring in bunches when it mattered most.

Unfortunately for him and the Fuel Masters, Rivero missed the latter part of the import-laden conference due to a finger injury.

Still, by the end of the conference, the State U product made noise by tallying a career-high 40 points in a 133-105 rout of the Terrafirma.

The only thing lacking is consistency, according to Tiu.

“He’s shown flashes of what he can be but he also showed areas where he’s just okay but hopefully, he shows that he can be consistent.”

Rivero will continue to lead the Fuel Masters’ backcourt alongside Tyler Tio with NBA journeyman BJ Johnson as the team’s import.