Once relegated to Ateneo's Team B, Anton Asistio proves worth for Blue Eagles

MANILA, Philippines – Anton Asistio’s journey back to the top was not as smooth as everyone thought.

Relegated to Team B on his third year with Ateneo, Asistio worked on his game to get better and waited for the right moment to regain his spot with the Blue Eagles squad.

And when Tab Baldwin was appointed as head coach of Ateneo three seasons ago, he got a new lease on life and ended his collegiate career as back-to-back champion.

“When I was sent down to Team B, instead of seeing it a down grade, I actually see it as opportunity to get better. The fact that they sent me down means may kulang pa ako as a player,” said Asistio, who finished with six points in their 99-81 win over UP in Game Two to bag the UAAP crown on Wednesday.

“I was able to develop my skills and regain my confidence and lucky enough, in my fourth year, there was a new coach appointed. I knew it was another chance and he’s a foreigner and he didn’t really know anyone in the team,” he added.

Ironically, it was Bo Perasol who relegated him to Team B that year and when Baldwin came in 2016, Asistio was given another shot for his dream.

“When I look at him, I saw a point guard. I saw his size. We tried him at point and asked everybody who else were gonna put on the roster because he’s not gonna make it,” said Baldwin.

“And from that point, one thing I learned about Anton, don’t tell him something he can’t do. He’s a tremendous fighter, not just a good basketball player. He’s a tremendous fighter, competitor, a winner because he pushed himself extremely hard,” he added.