NLEX has signed Matt Nieto to a two-year extension.
The deal was sealed on Thursday at the NLEX office in Balintawak, Caloocan City.
Nieto, a 26-year-old guard from Ateneo de Manila University, feels grateful and excited to continue his NLEX journey, “Siyempre masaya ako na binigyan ako ng extension ng NLEX. Dito na ako lumaki at nag-mature sa team na ‘to.”
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala nina President Luigi (Bautista), Gov. Ronald (Dulatre), at sa coaches ko. Talagang mas babawi at susuklian ko yung tiwala nila sa akin.”
Nieto was drafted by NLEX in the Gilas Round of the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft. He has become a vital asset to the team since joining in February 2022 after his stint with Gilas.
Team Governor Ronald Dulatre, expressing his confidence in Nieto’s role in the team, stated, “Matt Nieto is one of the cornerstones of the NLEX franchise. Even when he was a rookie, he showed great leadership to our team. In fact, he was our Team Captain in PBA Season 48.”
After aiding NLEX to a quarterfinal finish in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Nieto is determined to step up his game to help the team further.
“Siyempre mas gutom kami ngayon. Pagtratrabahuan namin itong off-season na ‘to with the goal na mas maganda ang maging standing namin and position next conference,” said the NLEX skipper.
“Step up talaga kaming lahat since mas alam na namin ang bawat role and strength ng bawat isa sa team.”
With Nieto’s extension, NLEX looks forward to building on their successes with their cohesive team and aiming for greater achievements in the seasons to come.