It was just five years ago when Ateneo de Manila University fielded a loaded Blue Eagles team in the UAAP 3×3 basketball tournament.
Back then, Ateneo fielded a loaded crew that featured Thirdy Ravena, Matt Nieto, Angelo Kouame, and Matthew Daves.
However, after winning it all in Season 81 when it was still a demonstration event, the program has struggled in the past three editions of the now-regular event.
To revive its 3×3 program, Ateneo did not look far for a head coach.
The Blue Eagles tapped five-time UAAP champion Nico Salva.
“It’s my first coaching stint, and I’m glad to be doing it with Ateneo, where I had some good years. I’m eager to share my 3×3 knowledge with the boys’ and men’s teams at Ateneo. It’s a new sport for them, as they’re not yet well-versed in this sport,” said the two-time UAAP Finals MVP.
“Hopefully, I can be of help to Ateneo.”
(C) PBA Images
Salva has been playing 3×3 since 2022, joining teams like Limitless, Platinum Karaoke, Blackwater, MCFASolver Tech, and Banh Mi Kitchen.
Playing the half-court game has definitely changed his perspective.
“3×3 requires players to think constantly because they’re always involved,” said Salva.
“It truly helped me transition from being a player to becoming a coach.”
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
In his first year, though, the boys’ quartet of Adolf Cruz, Uno Prado, Patrick Chan, and Danger Tupaz finished in last place with a 1-8 record.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Ditto for the men’s side of Andre Tan, Javi Adevoso, Alonzo Luna, and Dave Flores as they went winless in the tournament.
Salva knows that this is all part of the process.
“It’s a bit challenging (since our age gap is small), but they can relate to me more since it wasn’t too long ago that I played with Ateneo,” the 34-year-old Ateneo great shared about coaching.
“Of course, winning a championship in UAAP 3×3 is the ultimate goal. I’m determined to contribute to building that success.”
