Mere months after leading University of Perpetual Help System to its breakthrough NCAA Juniors Basketball Finals apperance, Season 99 MVP Amiel Acido has already suited up for his new squad.
Shifting from Las Piñas to España in Manila, the 19-year-old all-around forward wasted no time in making a great first impression with University of Santo Tomas.
The newest Growling Tiger dropped eight points and three rebounds in his debut for UST against Adamson University, helping secure a crucial 58-54 victory to solidify their quarterfinal bid at the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup.
Head coach Pido Jarencio is elated to have Acido on their side and assures that he will be an integral part of their program heading into UAAP Season 87.
“He will be part of the rotation. Malaki ang maitutulong niya sa team, at the same time I’m very excited, we’re getting an MVP from the junior ranks, mabigat ‘yon,” Jarencio said.
Acido, meanwhile, is on the same page, sharing the same sentiments as his new mentor.
“I am very excited since it’s my first game now in UST under Coach Pido. May kaunting adjustments pa, mga kailangang ma-improve para makapaglaro ng maayos,” the former Junior Altas skipper shared.
Apart from the support from their coaching staff, the 6-foot-3 winger mentioned the guidance of his seniors as a contributing factor in his smooth transition to UST.
“Very approachable sila, hindi ako nahihirapang mag-adjust. ‘Yung mga seniors ko, nandiyan sila para i-guide ako on and off the court, so hindi ako nahihirapan at mas nakakapag-gel ako sa kanila,” he added.
For now, Acido is only thinking of ways he can contribute to the team and their quest to rebuild their winning culture, which his head coach repeatedly mentioned.
“We’re building a winning culture, everybody’s contributing, si Amiel kakapasok lang, maganda ang naitulong niya sa amin. Gusto naming manalo kahit preseason lang to para madala namin pagdating ng UAAP season,” Jarencio concluded, with his eyes set on making a strong push for the knockout rounds.
