Rivera won Rookie of the Year in 2000 for National Superior Basketball League of Puerto Rico.

Ranks third on University of Texas El Paso all-time lists in career assists (381)and free throw percentage (.815).

Finished collegiate career at Texas-El Paso after playing first two seasons at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa.

During his senior year (2004–05), Rivera averaged 13.5 points while leading the WAC and ranking seventh nationally in assists (7.2 apg).

During his junior year (2003–04), Rivera averaged 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists (third in the WAC) and 1.7 steals (fourth).

During his sophomore year (2002–03), at Southeastern Community College (Iowa), Rivera averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 assists.

The Dragons were regarded as a "Cinderella team" entering the playoffs, winning the first round against Alba Berlin.

[1] Rivera led the team in the league's semifinal, scoring sixteen points, five rebounds and three assists in a victory over the Koeln the fifth and last game of the series.

He started the 2007/08 season in Italy with Eldo Basket Napoli left on December 12, and joined AEK Athens BC On 2006 Rivera participated in the BSN, where he led the team to the league's championship.