The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are currently in a rebuilding phase this UAAP Season 79 Men’s Basketball Tournament. Five games in the campaign, the Blue Eagles have won three and lost two which highlights their growing pains.
For the past two games there has been one particular Blue Eagle who has helped filled the gap for the injured Aaron Black. Fourth year Blue Eagle Anton Asistio led Ateneo with 12 and 21 points against Adamson University and University of the East respectively.
Asistio was praised by the Blue Eagles’ head coach Sandy Arespacochaga after the former calmly converted his free throws in the final minutes of Ateneo’s clash against UE.
“I think I practiced my shooting the past few days and we were anticipating the kind of game that UE was gonna play, just preparation. My teammates also found me for my open shots so I give credit to them,” the 21 year old shared.
The senior student-athlete was actually demoted to Ateneo’s Team Glory Be for one season and has shown tremendous improvement. Asistio stated he was glad to be back in the main team and felt that the level of competition is definitely higher.
Perhaps the biggest positive of that one year in team B has been the maturity of Asistio’s game.
“Siguro I’m more composed, not trying to look or force my shots. You know just let the play run. If I’m open, take a shot,” Ateneo’s leading scorer at 10.9 points per outing shared.
One person who can properly judge Asistio’s improvement is Arespacochaga.
“Well, Anton’s really worked hard on his game. Not only on his game, for those of you who are a bit familiar with Anton, you’ll know that he bulked up,” he said about his 5’10” gunslinger.
“He’s worked really hard. We’re not really surprised with Anton’s performance.”
Apart from his coaches and teammates, probably no one expected Asistio to ignite the young Blue Eagles this season. With the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University net for Ateneo to end the first round, Asistio will have all eyes on him to produce the goods.
