If there's someone who is most thrilled for the return of Kobe Paras, it's Ricci Rivero.
When asked why, Rivero said he and the son of PBA legend Benjie Paras still have some unfinished business they wish to settle this summer.
"I'm looking forward to his arrival because it's been a while since we last played together," Rivero said of Paras, who is expected to arrive Sunday.
The two teamed up during the 89th season of the NCAA and led La Salle Greenhills to the finals. Without the luxury of experience in the grandest stage of the premiere league, the Junior Blazers faltered against the San Beda Red Cubs in two games.
Now they have another shot at achieving the feat they failed to do as a duo years ago as they will suit up for the Gilas 23 for 2023 Cadets, who are set to see action in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup which begins on April 21.
The former La Salle star hopes with more than enough basketball experience now, they will finally get to hoist the elusive championship trophy this time around.
"We played for La Salle Greenhills before but we failed to capture the championship," he said. "I'm hoping that this time we will win a championship in the Filoil and in international competitions."
Paras' addition, though, could mean lesser playing minutes for Rivero. But that hardly matters for the 6-foot-1 wingman, who bid farewell to La Salle more than a week ago for an undisclosed reason.
"We have the same position, though he has a different style of play," Rivero said.
"But that's not important. Like what coach Jong (Uichico) said, they appreciate how we share the ball with our teammates that will eventually result in a win."