Team
Despite their heartbreaking defeat in the finals, the Ateneo Men’s Basketball team still de ed all expectations as last season’s runners-up. With the young core gaining a year of experience together, the expectations are sky-high for a squad that has proven itself capable of upsetting giant
Team Captain
Vince Tolentino
Suiting up for the Blue and White for the last time in his career, Vince Tolentino once again takes authority in the Blue Eagles’ locker room. While the captain believes that there are many leaders in the balanced squad, the Filipino-Canadian forward will play the decisive commanding role in his fifth and final year.
“As a younger team, the experience is there now [that] we were able to get to the finals. Now, we can hopefully complete the whole season with a championship.”
Mike Nieto
After a physical transformation in his sophomore year, Mike Nieto successfully made the jump from big man to full-time wing player, putting in the numbers as a deadly outside gunner. This year, Nieto looks to take another leap forward for a team that relies heavily on his elite perimeter shooting and leadership.
Anton Asistio
Anton Asistio’s game last year silenced critics who questioned his potential at the collegiate level due to his lack of size. A lethal scorer and the team’s most reliable player in the preseason, the sweet-shooting guard will be the fuel to Ateneo’s offensive fire and the team’s crown jewel from beyond the arc.
Tyler Tio
Ruled ineligible because of citizenship issues in his freshman year, Tyler Tio has remained in top shape, maturing steadily as a floor general at Team Glory Be. A point guard with the ability to create shots, the Xavier School graduate joins the force of Ateneo guards that will hold the backcourt for seasons to come.
Troy Mallillin
A preseason change of heart has caused a change of color for last season’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Juniors Most Valuable Player Troy Mallillin. Armored with a strong frame and good rebounding skills, the La Salle Greenhills product could make an impact from the paint in his rookie season.
Coach’s Corner
Sandy Arespacochaga
Serving as the team’s steady hand for over a decade, assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga has witnessed the changing tide of the last few eras of Ateneo basketball. A seasoned mentor on the college court, Arespacochaga’s voice of guidance will be a crucial factor in the Blue Eagles’ quest for the crown.
“We want to stay focused and not get ahead of ourselves. Last year, we took it one game at a time and it worked, so we’d like to take the same approach.”
