How Prince Rivero Became a Rising Star in the PBA League Today

I still remember watching Prince Rivero's first PBA game back in 2017, and honestly, I wasn't immediately convinced he'd become the dominant force he is today. Fast forward to the present, and I find myself consistently impressed by how this young player has evolved into one of the league's most promising talents. What strikes me most about Rivero's journey isn't just his statistical improvements—though going from averaging 2.1 points per game in his rookie season to consistently scoring double digits this year is remarkable—but how he's developed that intangible quality we call basketball IQ.

The transformation really became apparent during last season's playoffs. I recall watching Game 3 against Ginebra where Rivero recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds while playing crucial minutes in the fourth quarter. What stood out to me wasn't just the numbers but his decision-making under pressure—knowing when to drive to the basket versus taking the mid-range jumper, when to crash the boards versus getting back on defense. These are the kinds of split-second decisions that separate good players from great ones, and Rivero seems to be developing that instinctual understanding of the game that can't be taught in practice alone.

His development comes at an interesting time for Philippine basketball. Just look at the MPBL schedule this Thursday at Alonte Sports Arena—three games featuring six different teams, each with their own rising stars. While the MPBL serves as an important breeding ground for talent, what Rivero has achieved in the PBA demonstrates a different level of growth trajectory. I've noticed that players who succeed in both leagues often share certain qualities: adaptability, work ethic, and that special ability to elevate their game when it matters most. Rivero checks all these boxes, and then some.

What really convinces me about Rivero's potential is how he's improved aspects of his game that weren't naturally his strengths. Coming out of college, everyone knew he could rebound—that was his bread and butter. But now? His field goal percentage has jumped to around 48% this season, and his free throw accuracy has improved from 65% to nearly 80%. These aren't just numbers on a stat sheet—they represent countless hours in the gym, working on his shooting form and developing a more reliable offensive arsenal. I've spoken with several coaches who've worked with him, and they all mention his relentless work ethic. One assistant coach told me Rivero regularly stays after practice for an extra 90 minutes just working on his perimeter shooting.

The timing of Rivero's emergence couldn't be better for the PBA. With the league looking for new stars to build around, having a homegrown talent like Rivero capturing fans' imagination is exactly what Philippine basketball needs. His style—energetic, fundamentally sound, yet flashy when the situation calls for it—represents the perfect blend of traditional and modern basketball. When I watch him play now compared to two years ago, the difference is night and day. He moves with more confidence, makes quicker decisions, and has developed that killer instinct that all great players possess.

Looking at the broader basketball landscape, with the MPBL continuing to develop talent through its regular season games, the pathway for players like Rivero becomes increasingly important. His success story demonstrates that with the right development system and personal dedication, local players can indeed become stars in their own right. While I don't want to put too much pressure on the young man, I genuinely believe he has the potential to become one of the faces of Philippine basketball in the coming years. The foundation is there, the work ethic is undeniable, and most importantly, the growth trajectory continues upward. For Philippine basketball fans, Prince Rivero represents exactly what we hope to see more of—homegrown talent developing into legitimate stars who can carry the league forward.