UAAP: NCAA juniors MVP Rivero knows it's a tough climb to earn spot in DLSU’s rotation

Prince Rivero is taking his talents to Taft Avenue, but the reigning NCAA juniors MVP is aware that things will only get more difficult from now on.

"Sabi niya saken [DLSU coach Juno Sauler], I need to work my way up; I need to work for my slot kasi isa lang yung grumaduate sa kanila so I really need to work hard and improve on everything," Rivero said at the launch of sports agent Charlie Dy and manager Dondon Monteverde's Virtual Sports Inc., Thursday at Revolver, Bonifacio Global City. "Skills, speed, I need to discipline myself to be a better player and also makipag-compete ako sa kanila inside the court."

The young gun added that the decision to stay Green was made just before Christmas:

"Nung umalis ako ng NU [NU high school], La Salle yung kumuha sakin para makapasok ako sa school and siyempre nandun din yung brothers ko and yung community ng La Salle. Mas gusto ko yung community ng La Salle at parang family narin ako sa kanila. First choice ko talaga DLSU."

The 6’3” Rivero is expected to share the small forward and power forward spots with Jeron Teng, Matt Salem, Gabby Reyes and Jason Perkins, while Norbert Torres, Arnold Van Opstal and the come-backing Yutien Andrada man the middle for the green and white.

Rivero also expects comparisons between himself and UAAP juniors MVP Thirdy Ravena, who will join his older brother Keifer and San Beda standout Arvin Tolentino with the Ateneo Blue Eagles this June.

"I just need to work hard. Magkaiba kami ng laro," Rivero said. "Magkaiba yung opinion ng mga people. I just need to work hard and play my best."

This means that Rivero has started to work on improving both in and out of the court.

"First two weeks [of practice] is going to be for conditioning," added Rivero. "I need to get in shape. Right now, I keep my diet. No carbs, a lot of vegetables, chicken, fruits."

With La Salle champion lineup virtually intact for the upcoming UAAP season, Rivero takes a cue from his new coach in how to prepare for a repeat:

"I'll work with the team as hard as I can. Kung ano yung mako-contribute ko sa kanila for the back to back, I'll do it. Kung anong gusto nila na makakatulong, definitely that's something I'm gonna do." - AMD, GMA News