Trouble is brewing inside the Green Archers camp.
Brothers Prince and Ricci Rivero, along with Brent Paraiso, are taking a leave from the La Salle men's basketball team.
The DLSU Sports Development Office, in a series of tweets on Friday, February 2, explained that the team has "a policy that prohibits players to enter into sponsorship agreements with commercial entities" to keep them focused on games and team practices without any restrictions or distractions.
"In this connection, team members Prince Rivero, Ricci Rivero, and Brent Paraiso have requested to go on leave from the basketball team to honor their contractual obligations to their existing endorsements," it went on saying.
But the school reassured that the three players are still currently enrolled in the university and are attending their respective classes.
This will allow the players to focus on the games and team practices without any restrictions. 2/4
— DLSU Sports (@dlsusports) February 2, 2018
Prince, Ricci, and Brent are currently enrolled in the University and are attending their respective classes. 4/4
— DLSU Sports (@dlsusports) February 2, 2018
The younger Rivero, Ricci, is coming off his best season so far in the UAAP. In Season 80, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals.
His breakout sophomore year even earned him a slot in the 23 for 2023 Gilas Pilipinas pool. During last Monday's Gilas practice, head coach Chot Reyes even revealed that Ricci got clearance to play for the national team.
Older brother Prince was an integral part of La Salle's UAAP Season 80 campaign as a tough-nosed forward. Paraiso, meanwhile, provided energy off the bench.
The Green Archers' bid for back-to-back titles were foiled by archivals Ateneo Blue Eagles last season.
La Salle is reportedly set to issue an official statement next week.
This is the latest development from La Salle after losing two-time UAAP MVP Ben Mbala, who went to play overseas, and head coach Aldin Ayo who moved to the UST Growling Tigers.