Ricci Rivero fired a career-best 40 points on Wednesday to lead the Phoenix Fuel Masters to a thorough 133-105 dismantling of the Terrafirma Dyip at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Phoenix coach Charles Tiu was naturally impressed by Rivero’s explosive scoring, particularly his 5-for-5 clip from downtown in the first half—three of which came at the tail end of the second quarter, where the Fuel Masters built a 10-point lead going into intermission.
But according to Tiu, he’s happier with something else entirely: Rivero’s growing leadership within the team and his continuing maturity.
“Ang goal namin first and foremost is try to make a playoff push… We wanna try to do something with this group na maybe makasilat kami sa ibang teams, sa mga powerhouse. We know naman na we are not a star-studded lineup, but we have guys who are willing to work, guys who are maturing,” Tiu told reporters after Phoenix notched its third win of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. “You can see si Ricci. I know we are focusing on his scoring, pero ako, I’m happier to see behind the scenes his maturity. His body language is better, he takes a bit of a leadership role, he guides our players….”
Ricci Rivero, the Growing Leader
That behind-the-scenes leadership, incidentally, might have helped another Fuel Master, Francis Escandor, set his own career-high against Terrafirma, as he finished with 20 big points on three triples. According to Ricci Rivero, he and Escandor have been working together a lot and putting in additional work after practice, while also comparing notes on how to play better.
“We do trust Francis a lot, especially his outside shooting. Sabay kami nyan palagi sa shooting after practice and after ng training. Most of the time rin sa training magkasama kami niyan and we talk a lot about how to adjust…,” Rivero pointed out in the postgame presser.
All that work showed against the Dyip, with Rivero and Escandor torching Terrafirma to the tune of 60 big points. Crucially, Rivero got his 40-piece within the Phoenix offense—not forcing things and instead giving the ball up to his open teammates, like Escandor.
“‘Yung okay ‘yung start ko, ‘yun ang sinabi ko sa kanila, ‘Be ready’ kasi I’m gonna look for you,” added Rivero, who punctuated his 40-piece with 8 assists as well.
Indeed, Ricci Rivero is trusting his teammates. That’s exactly what leaders do.
