Entering the Ateneo de Manila University’s game against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, Matt Nieto – who had injured his left pinky – was good to go. However, he was struck by the flu early in the day, which ruled him out.
Next man up, as they say.
Sophomore Tyler Tio stepped up for the Blue Eagles, as he was given the starting point guard job for the game.
“As you guys know there are injuries in our team but we just tried to focus on what he had to do, what the coaches had for us.
“The coaches had a good game plan for us. I guess as a team we just tried to make sure that we stuck to our principles,” shared the sophomore guard.
Though starting in his first game of the season, Tio was steady for the Blue Eagles, tallying 12 points and dishing out five dimes. His point total was just one shy of his entire first round burst, while matching his total in assists.
It has been a long time coming for Tio.
The Xavier alumnus is mainly used as a reliever for his more senior teammates Nieto and Anton Asistio. However, he started this game and took his opportunity with both hands.
“First of all, I tried to do my best during the practices to earn the trust of the coaches.
“We have a philosophy in our team na ‘next man up’, so when Matt went down, obviously we were hurt because he’s one of our better players. He’s one of our leaders,” admitted the 5-foot-11 cager.
While he relishes his first start, Tio deflected personal credit to those people around him. He shared that his seniors and coaches regularly give him and his younger teammates advice and that the latter shared specific orders for Ateneo to overcome UP.
He insisted, “The coaches talk to us point guards and they told us that we really need us to step up. I give props also to Jolo (Mendoza), SJ (Belangel) and Adrian (Wong). It wasn’t just me who stepped up.
“We all just wanted to fill the void that Matt left because he’s one of our better players.”
“Luckily for us, guys stepped up just like Tyler, laking tulong niya lalo na nawala si Matt, nag-step up siya on the point guard position,” shared a relieved Thirdy Ravena.
Blue Eagles coach Sandy Arespacochaga shared that Ateneo hope that Nieto will return in time for their next game. If the veteran is still out, though, Tio can be counted on to take the reins once again.
