Ateneo’s decorated twins are ready for the next stage.
Matt and Mike Nieto submitted their 2019 PBA Rookie Draft applications, Wednesday afternoon at the league’s office in Pasig.
And the 22-year-olds relished the moment of doing this together, since there is a huge possibility that they will be drafted to different teams come the event on December 8 at Robinson’s Place in Malate.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to play here sa PBA, which is our ultimate goal,” said Matt, also speaking for his brother Mike.
“Eto talaga pangarap namin ni Mike growing up, and now one step closer na kami to reaching it.”
Matt Nieto averaged 7.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game during the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball tournament. He was also the lead floor general of the Blue Eagles during their magical three-year run.
If Matt was the conductor, Mike was the undisputed leader, having been the team’s skipper for the last two years. Mike, who stands at 6-foot-2, normed 4.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per contest.
The two Ateneo lifers ended their collegiate careers with three UAAP golds and a silver.
This time around, they are hoping that what they learned under Tab Baldwin will greatly benefit them heading into the big league.
“Super excited kami pero at the same time, new environment, new culture, and ibang league altogether. Mas paghihirapan namin dito kasi mga idol na kalaban namin dito.
“And hopefully dito may payoff lahat ng learnings namin galing kay coach Tab and other assistant coaches from Ateneo,” Matt closed.
With this, the twins will no longer be eligible to play in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s 3×3 tournament next year.
