PBA: Mike Nieto admits crying in front of Yeng Guiao after learning of trade

Converge FiberXers Mike Nieto. –PBA IMAGES

Mike Nieto described bidding goodbye to Rain or Shine after his first two seasons in the PBA for a chance at a fresh start with Converge as an emotional feeling.

“Actually iniyakan ko si Coach Yeng (I actually cried in front of Coach Yeng [Guiao]),” Nieto said after posting 12 points and 12 rebounds in the FiberXers’ 115-82 rout of the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA On Tour on Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Nieto debuted with the Elasto Painters in the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup after a stint with the Gilas Pilipinas, but it was in the last two conferences that he was able to get some tutelage from Guiao, who previously handled his twin brother Matt at NLEX.

But Nieto was traded to Converge last May 8 with Rain or Shine a pair of future draft picks.

“Really grateful for the lessons, the experiences and the bonding I shared with Rain or Shine, especially the veterans like Kuya Beau [Belga], Kuya Gabe [Norwood[ and the fun times I had with guys like Mamu [Gian Mamuyac],” said Nieto.

At Converge, Nieto will get an opportunity to thrive under coach Aldin Ayo, who has already been impressed with the former Ateneo cager’s work ethic.

Ayo said Nieto has been a “good influence,” especially being one of the first players to attend practices early.

He did show some flashes against Terrafirma as Converge wound up getting a convincing win to start off the two-month exhibition series.