Rivero number one in Philippines PBA for round 5 (by Hoops Agents)

- March 29, 2026

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Ricci Rivero

Ricci Rivero

Guard Ricci Rivero (185-G-1998) had a very impressive game in the last round for second-ranked Phoenix Fuel Masters, receiving a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 5.
The 27-year old player was the main contributor (40 points, six rebounds and eight assists) to his team's victory, helping them to outclass Terrafirma Dyip (3-1) with 28-point margin 133-105. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Masters is placed at 2nd position in Filipino PBA. They would have been even better if they hadn't lost that single game earlier this season. Phoenix will need more victories to improve their 3-1 record. In the team's last game Rivero had a remarkable 53.8% from 2-point range and got seven three-pointers out of 9 attempts. He has many years of experience at Masters, through which he has constantly improved. Ricci Rivero averages this season 22.5ppg and 6.0rpg.

The second best player in last round's games was young American Justin Brownlee (197-F-1988) of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings. Brownlee had a very good evening with 46 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Bad luck as Kings lost that game 113-118 to the higher-ranked NLEX RW (#3, 3-1). This loss caused Ginebra Kings to drop to 7th position in the standings. His team lost some distance to top teams. But a 1-1 record is not bad and everything may still change. Brownlee is one of the most experienced players at Ginebra Kings and has a reputation of one of team's most reliable players. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 38.5ppg (#1). His other stats are also decent: 8.0rpg and 6.5apg. Former St. John's University star Brownlee is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market.

Third on the list of top players last round was center June Mar Fajardo (210-C-1989) of San Miguel Beermen (#10). Fajardo scored 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds (!!!). He was a key player of Beermen, leading his team to a 103-99 win against slightly lower-ranked FiberXers (#11, 1-3). The chances of SM Beermen not to end season at such low position in the league, however are less than slim as they have already lost 2 games, recording just one victories. With bigger assistance of his teammates, Fajardo could try to bring SM Beermen's a little bit higher in the standings. Fajardo has individually a great season in Philippines. After only 3 games, he made it on the list of the league's leaders in rebounds with 18.0rpg (3rd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Cady Lalanne (208-C-1992) of NLEX RW - 28 points, 14 rebounds and 2 assists
5. Jerrick Ahanmisi (185-G-1997) of Terrafirma Dyip - 37 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Robert Bolick (185-G-1995) of NLEX RW - 32 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists
7. James Dickey III (208-F/C-1996) of Phoenix - 14 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists
8. Felix Pangilinan-Lemetti (185-G-1999) of Rain or Shine - 23 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists
9. Kylor Kelley (213-C-1997) of FiberXers - 12 points and 20 rebounds
10. Marvin Jones (213-C-1993) of Meralco Bolts - 17 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.

Tags : RICCI RIVERO, PHOENIX FUEL MASTERS, FILIPINO BASKETBALL,