Feb 09, 2022

Nieto twins living dad's PBA dream

TWINS wins Matt and Mike Nieto finally fulfills the dream of their father more than three decades ago.

Matt inked a three-year contract with NLEX on Tuesday night, capping a five-day stretch that also saw his brother Mike sealed a separate two-year deal with Rain or Shine.

While everyone in the family is truly grateful for the two former Ateneo players realizing their dreams of playing in Asia's first ever play-for-pay league, none is more than proud of them than their dad, Jet Nieto.

The elder Nieto also once aspired of playing in the PBA, and prospect of him nurturing a pro career was bright enough especially after playing a key role in helping Ateneo win back-to-back UAAP men's basketball titles in 1987 and 88.

But he also desired to become a doctor back then, that eventually he prioritized education in favor of basketball.

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He did become a doctor as an orthopedic surgeon, although it was his two children that ultimately lived his long-cherished dream.

"It's always been the dream, not only for me, but also for my family, especially my dad," said Matt, who was accompanied by his doctor parents when he signed with the Road Warriors in the presence of coach and basketball operations manager Yeng Guiao, team governor and NLEX president and CEO Rod Franco, and NLEX assistant vice president Ronald Tugade.

"Hindi kasi nag-PBA si daddy. Gusto niyang maging doctor," added Matt. "Yun na siguro yung greatest regret niya kaya gusto niya, bata pa lang kami, mag-PBA na kami. This is it. We're living his dream also."

Matt was the no. 3 pick of NLEX in the 2019 special PBA Gilas draft, while his brother Mike was tabbed no. 5 by the Elasto Painters.

Mike was welcomed by the Rain or Shine franchise led by team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon, basketball operations head Caloy Garcia, and team manager Jireh Ibanez. He was accompanied by representative PJ Pilares of the Titan Management Group. (RG)

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