University of Santo Tomas rookie Amiel Acido emerged as the unlikely hero in the final stretch of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament, leading the Growling Tigers to their first Final Four appearance in five years with a performance that belied his newcomer status.
For his veteran-like efforts, Acido was named the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) UAAP Men’s Player of the Week, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), for the period of November 13 to 23.
This recognition comes as UST prepares for its much-anticipated Final Four appearance.
Acido narrowly edged out fellow nominees, including UP’s Quentin Millora-Brown, teammate Mo Tounkara, UP’s Harold Alarcon, and NU’s PJ Palacielo, to claim the final Player of the Week award also supported by Discovery Suites and World Balance as minor sponsors.
The 6-foot-4 rookie, a product of Perpetual Help, registered an impressive stat line of 14 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one block in UST’s commanding 75-49 win over Adamson.
This victory clinched UST’s first Final Four berth in five years.
“Nagpapasalamat lang ako sa mga gumabay sa akin, lalo na sa coaches, sa teammates ko, and then sa mga PTs. Sila yung naging rason kung bakit ako nandito sa posisyon na ‘to. Sobrang thankful ako sa kanila and grateful din ako sa mga blessings na dumadating sa akin and sa opportunity na binigay ni Coach Pido,” said Acido, who played a pivotal role in the second half with clutch three-pointers to lead UST’s dominant performance.
“Sobrang saya ko, hindi lang para sa sarili ko, pero para sa buong team rin. Matagal na nilang gustong makabalik sa Final Four. Ang mindset ko lang simula pa lang nung una is, pag nabigyan ako ng chance, gagawin ko lahat para makacontribute para sa kanila, and yun nga, para matupad namin yung goals namin as a team.”
