University of Santo Tomas forward Amiel Acido against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Amiel Acido has continued to rise for University of Santo Tomas and no one is less surprised than head coach Pido Jarencio, who has always believed in the sweet-shooting Growling Tiger.
“He’s bound to improve, bound to excel,” said Jarencio, as Acido fired 19 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and four clutch free throws in their 80-75 win over defending champion De La Salle University in UAAP Season 89 on Wednesday evening.
From becoming the first-ever player from University of Perpetual Help to win an NCAA Juniors MVP award to now serving as one of UST’s go-to players, Jarencio has always seen Acido as someone bound for greatness.
“Remember, Amiel is an MVP ng juniors ng NCAA,” said Jarencio of Acido, who also led the Junior Altas to their first Finals appearance in NCAA Season 99, the same year he won his top individual plum. “Ang player, nag-i-improve nang nag-i-improve yan.”
Since moving to España for his collegiate career in UAAP Season 87, the 6-foot-4 sniper from Antipolo has steadily grown into his role for UST, with Acido now averaging a team-high 18.5 points to go with 5.5 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and a steal through two games this season.
What impresses Jarencio more, however, is how Acido has also grown into a leader off the floor for UST.
“Ngayon, yung attitude niya, nagiging one of the leaders of the team siya,” Jarencio said. “Para sa akin, masaya ako. Para sa future niya yan.”
Acido deflected the praise, instead saying it was his teammates’ willingness to embrace him as a veteran that has made things easier for him.
“Grateful ako kasi pag nags-step-up ako or nagbibigay ng advice, or gina-guide ko yung team, nakikinig sila,” he said. “Yung samahan namin, grabe yung respeto namin sa isa’t isa.”
Acido and the rest of the Tigers will have enough time to further grow into their roles, as they will not return to action until September 30, when UST faces University of the East at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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