Finals MVP Nico Salva savors ‘sweetest title’

MANILA, Philippines — For Nico Salva, the best championship of the five he’s had was the last.

Salva, who was a part of Ateneo’s five-peat concluded his stay with Ateneo with a hardfought title.

“I think this one is the sweetest. There’s nothing like leaving your school with a championship and with a win,” said Salva. “I never imagined that I’ll get five championships. This just completed my dream.”

And in the historical five-year run of the Blue Eagles, Salva was the only player to bag the finals MVP award twice in a row.

His 30-point explosion propelled Ateneo to a crucial game one victory and was enough to make him the best player in the finals despite scoring just eight in game two.

Through the years, Salva repeatedly showcased his sweet range and offensive prowess — but has also shown growth under Black’s selfless system.

“After five years, I learned to pass the ball,” said Salva, who averaged 13.5 points in his final year, in a Thanksgiving mass Thursday night.

And his transformation under Black’s mentoring might just propel him to the big leagues, as he plans to.

“Hopefully I’ll join the PBA Draft in August (of 2013). That’s my plan,” said Salva, who will be playing with the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA D-League.

Salva, along with select players from the amateur division, said he would be part of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas Cadet Pool.