During the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ five wins so far, there have been different players who stepped up in each outing.
Jolo Mendoza and Chibueze Ikeh came up big during Ateneo’s opening day win against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, while Tyler Tio and Aaron Black had a hand in their wins against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the University of the East Red Warriors respectively.
Though Thirdy Ravena has been the constant in all of those wins, there is also another Blue Eagle that has helped Ateneo’s journey to the top of the standings — third-year floor general Matt Nieto.
“It’s a luxury that we have very good point guards, and it’s also a luxury that these guys have very good attitudes,” shared Ateneo coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “Because normally, that might pose a problem for other players who would want to get 30 minutes per game or who would want to be the main man.
“But our point guards, they know their roles.”
The 19-year-old is averaging 10.8 points, up from his 5.2 point average last season, to go along with 2.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest.
“I just really practiced hard during the summer break. I’m thankful for my coaches and my teammates for giving the confidence,” remarked the Ateneo lifer about what has changed this season.
His output was amplified Wednesday afternoon, as he was able to set his career-high 22 points during Ateneo’s 94-84 win against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
Nieto shared that he was just doing his job as a student-athlete so they can upstage their second place finish last year.
“I’m just doing my job, I’m just finding open lanes, looking for my teammates. Bonus na lang yung nakaka-shoot ako,” added Nieto.
“Basically I’m just doing my job as a point guard and the leader of the team.”
And this no-nonsense approach to the game is what has made the Blue Eagles successful so far, according to Arespacochaga.
“I guess their unselfishness also allows each one to step up when the need arises. Walang inggitan, there’s no jealousy,” Arespacochaga said.
“And that’s actually a big thing for a team, so we’re also lucky with the attitude of our guards.”
