How Prince Rivero Became a Rising Star in the PBA Today

I still remember the first time I saw Prince Rivero play back in 2018 during the MPBL games at Alonte Sports Arena. The atmosphere was electric - you could feel the energy pulsing through the crowd as teams like Marikina and Paranaque battled it out on the court. But what caught my eye was this young player from Binan who moved with this incredible combination of grace and raw power. Fast forward to today, and that same player has become one of the most exciting rising stars in the PBA, and honestly, I'm not surprised at all.

What makes Prince's journey so fascinating to me is how he developed his skills through the MPBL system before making his mark in the PBA. I've been following his career closely, and I've noticed how his game evolved through those Thursday night matchups - like when Binan would host teams like Cebu at 8 p.m. in those intense games that often went down to the wire. Those were the moments that really tested his mettle. I remember specifically watching him during the Sarangani versus Pampanga games where he'd consistently put up around 15-18 points per game while grabbing 8-10 rebounds. Those numbers might not jump off the page to casual fans, but for someone who understands the game, you could see the foundation being laid for something special.

The transformation from MPBL standout to PBA rising star didn't happen overnight though. I've spoken with several coaches who've worked with him, and they all mention the same thing - his work ethic is just different. While other players might be satisfied with putting up decent numbers, Prince would stay after practice for hours, working on his footwork and developing that reliable mid-range jumper that's become his signature move. I've always believed that the best players aren't necessarily the most talented ones, but the ones who combine talent with relentless dedication, and Prince embodies that perfectly.

What really sets him apart in my opinion is his basketball IQ. I've watched countless players come through the MPBL system, but very few read the game the way Prince does. During those 6 p.m. games between Sarangani and Pampanga, you could see him making subtle adjustments - when to crash the boards, when to stay back on defense, how to position himself for those easy baskets. These might seem like small things, but they're what separate good players from great ones. His understanding of spacing and timing reminds me of some veteran players who've been in the league for a decade.

The transition to PBA wasn't without its challenges though. I recall talking to him after one particularly tough game where he'd struggled against more experienced big men. What impressed me wasn't just his honesty about needing to improve, but his specific understanding of what needed work - his post defense, his ability to finish through contact, his free throw percentage which was sitting around 65% at the time. Most young players would make vague statements about "needing to get better," but Prince had already broken down exactly what needed fixing.

Now watching him dominate in the PBA, I can't help but feel that sense of pride you get when you've watched someone grow from their early days. His stats have jumped significantly - he's now averaging around 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in the PBA, up from his MPBL averages of about 9.5 points and 7 rebounds. But beyond the numbers, it's the little things that show his growth: the way he commands respect from veterans, his improved decision-making under pressure, and that confident swagger that only comes from knowing you belong.

Looking back at those MPBL days at Alonte Sports Arena, with games starting from 4 p.m. and running late into the evening, it's clear that those battles shaped him into the player he is today. The MPBL provided the perfect platform for talents like Prince to develop away from the bright lights of the PBA, and honestly, I think more young players should follow this path rather than rushing to the big league. Prince Rivero's story isn't just about talent - it's about patience, development, and seizing opportunities when they come. And if you ask me, this is just the beginning for this rising star.