TNT continues to load up ahead of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.
The Tropang 5G are set to sign Mike Nieto after the 6-foot-2 guard was officially released by the Converge FiberXers on Tuesday.
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times.
Nieto, a former Ateneo standout, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to join the TNT camp.
“Grateful to the management and coaching staff — especially Boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), Gov. Ricky Vargas, Boss Jolas (Jojo Lastimosa), Coach Chot (Reyes), and Coaches Yuri (Escueta) and Sandy (Arespacochaga) — for the trust in bringing me to TNT,” said Nieto, who just turned 28.
“I’m here to help the team in whatever way I can, and I’ll give my 100% all the time.”
(C) PBA Images
Nieto was acquired by Converge from Rain or Shine back in May 2023, in a trade involving the FiberXers’ second-round picks in the 2024 and 2025 PBA Drafts.
He became a key player in Converge’s rotation during Aldin Ayo’s tenure and remained a solid contributor under head coach Charles Tiu.
However, a dislocated finger sidelined him for the ongoing Philippine Cup.
Despite his departure, Nieto remains grateful to Converge for everything the franchise did for him.
“Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa Converge management sa lahat ng nagawa nila para sa akin,” said Nieto.
“To Boss Dennis (Anthony Uy), Gov. Delta (Pineda), Gov. Archen (Cayabyab), Boss Frank (Lao), and Boss Jacob Lao — I’ll always cherish my time with Converge and will forever be thankful for everything they’ve done for me.”
Nieto now joins a Tropang Giga squad in need of backcourt reinforcements following injuries to Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac, and Jielo Razon.
He will also be reunited with Jordan Heading, who was traded by Converge to TNT for the rights to Mikey Williams last week.
Both Nambatac and Heading are expected to return in time for the playoffs.
