Will Ateneo's Nico Silva also join showbiz?

MANILA, Philippines - Like Chris Tiu of Ateneo’s Blue Eagles, will varsity player Nico Salva (photos) also join showbiz?

He just might, according to a talent scout who believes that Nico has a “future” in showbiz.

Born to parents who were former varsity players of the University of the Philippines, Nico wasn’t into basketball until his father convinced him to join the Milo training camp when he was four years old.

That training eventually developed in him the interest for the sport that landed him in the La Salle Green Hills elementary varsity team when he was in Grade 3. He remained in the school’s varsity team until second year high school.

He moved to San Beda High where he completed his secondary education and emerged as a star player of the Red Cubs. Nico was in the NCAA Mythical 5 of the junior division in his last playing year. He transferred to San Beda because of the potential of further enhancing his skills under the legendary Ato Batolato who had developed basketball greats LA Tenorio and Ren Ren Ritualo, to name a few.

Nico is a freshman student at the Ateneo taking up AB Interdisciplinary Studies, and a member of the UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles where he plays the power forward position. He stands 6‘4” and was named to the First Rookie Team of UAAP Season ‘71. With his wholesome good looks and unassuming manner, he has attracted quite a large number of admirers.

When the team was in Dumaguete last year for the University games which Ateneo also won, Nico was very popular with the female fans and got constantly mobbed after the games. He does occasional commercial modeling and appeared in a health product print ad not too long ago.

He names Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista as his favorite actresses; and Danny Siegel, Kelly Williams and JC Intal from the PBA, and NBA stars Kobe Bryant and Lebron James as his basketball idols.

After being on Cloud Nine after winning the UAAP crown last year, Nico looks forward to more championships under Coach Norman Black as a Blue Eagle, and landing a slot in the PBA after college.

Is a showbiz career not far behind?