Aquino makes UAAP debut for NU

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Even Matthew Aquino was surprised that he was given the green light to play in the UAAP Season 79.

Ruled as ineligible last week, the 6-foot-9 big man saw action on Sunday in the National Univeristy’s 75-66 loss to La Salle.

“Mixed emotions lang talaga. Ang alam ko di ako makakalaro. Nagulat ako nung binunot ako ni coach Eric (Altamirano),” Aquino said. “Unprepared talaga ako, so praise God!”

Though he only had three points and three rebounds in his first game for NU, what brings joy to the son of PBA legend Marlou Aquino is the idea of him finally seeing action in the UAAP once again.

“Maganda naman. Hindi naman ako nagpakitang gilas, I played my role lang. Kailangan ko lang gawin yung role ko sa team,” he said.

Despite the loss, Aquino still was elated that finally, he can take that burden off of his shoulders after transferring from Adamson.

“Sobrang depressed ako nung nalaman ko na baka di ako makalaro nung opening. Tapos nung Saturday before the Ateneo game, sinabi na hindi ako makakalaro. Depressed talaga ako kasi pinaghandaan ko talaga, nagresidency ako ng one year tapos biglang ganun, di pala ako makakalaro,” he recounted.

“Nung tinawag lang ako ni coach Eric, doon ko lang nalaman na makakalaro ako. Nung binunot lang nya talaga ako, doon ko lang talaga nalaman na pwede na.”

Aquino left all of the talks to his dad and the NU management, opting to rather prepare himself no matter what happens.

Altamirano also kept mum on the issue as he lauded Aquino instead for the way he played in his limited minutes on the floor.

“Pretty decent naman. He helped us a bit when Alfred (Aroga) got into foul trouble,” he said.

With this matter hopefully behind him, Aquino is aching to continue what he started on the court as he seeks to help NU reclaim the championship this season.

“Gusto ko matulungan yung team eh,” he said. “Kailangan ko matulungan si Alfred. Defense ang focus ko, pero kulang pa kasi alam kong kayang kaya ko pa mag-contribute. Marami pa akong maiko-contribute at i-play ko lang yung role ko.”