NLEX welcomed its 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Gilas Pilipinas Draft pick Matt Nieto into the fold ahead of the resumption of its Governors’ Cup campaign.
The Road Warriors (4-1) signed Mr. Nieto to a three-year contract as they fortify a backcourt that’s still missing the services of ace playmaker Kiefer Ravena, who’s currently playing in Japan. Mr. Nieto joined Kevin Alas, Jericho Cruz, Kris Rosales and Philip Paniamogan in the NLEX guard line.
“From what I saw from the player three years ago to the player I’ve seen just recently, I think he has become even better and more matured,” NLEX coach and general manager Yeng Guiao said of Mr. Nieto, whom he selected third in the Special Gilas Draft of 2019.
The brainy guard out of Ateneo Blue Eagle was one of five Gilas mainstays recently released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to their respective PBA mother ballclubs after a two-year national team service.
Mr. Nieto’s twin brother Mike Nieto earlier agreed to a two-year deal with Rain or Shine while Rey Suerte and Allyn Bulanadi signed up with Blackwater and Alaska, respectively.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the Gilas boys, once lined up, may already plunge into action when the Governors’ Cup resumes tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
NLEX battles Meralco (2-0) in the 3 p.m. curtain-raiser while pacesetting Magnolia (3-0) renews its rivalry with its Philippine Cup conqueror TnT (2-2) in the 6 p.m. main game. — Olmin Leyba
