Lebron Nieto, a standout from Ateneo High School, will continue the Nieto legacy by playing for Ateneo de Manila University in the upcoming UAAP Season 86.
He is the fifth Nieto to don the blue and white of the Blue Eagles, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Jet, and older brothers Matt and Mike, who all played for the Ateneo team that won UAAP championships. His sister, Shawntel, also won two championships as part of the Ateneo women's badminton team.
Despite the high expectations that come with being a member of the Nieto family, Lebron stressed that being a Blue Eagle is something that must be earned through hard work and dedication.
"Growing up, I always watched my brothers (Matt and Mike) play for the Blue and White in the UAAP, so it was a big dream of mine to play and win for Ateneo as well," Lebron said.
"But to people saying that it was my destiny to be a Blue Eagle, I understand that many were expecting me to become a Blue Eagle, but to me, being a Blue Eagle is something that is earned - one that I worked hard for every day," he added.
He hopes to continue his family's tradition of excellence and bring glory to Ateneo through his play on the court.
At just 18 years old, Lebron has already shown his potential as a player, averaging 16.46 points, 4.85 rebounds, 4.69 assists, and 2.85 steals per game during his senior year at Ateneo High.
He was also the captain of the Gilas Boys team that competed in the 2022 FIBA U16 Asian Championship.
Meanwhile, Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin is excited to have Lebron on the team, citing his offensive skill and defensive tenacity as a Nieto trademark.
"We are really pleased to bring Lebron into the team and obviously, he comes from a great pedigree with older brothers Matt and Mike being great servants to our program and done such a great job and now, they have moved on to the pros," said Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin.
While Lebron will be eligible to play for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 86, he knows that there is still much work to be done and is eager to learn from Coach Tab and the rest of the coaching staff.
"Being in the best program in the Philippine collegiate basketball scene, I want to absorb all the knowledge that Coach Tab and the entire coaching staff will impart to us," said Lebron, the youngest of the Nieto siblings.
Lebron is not the only promising player to join the Ateneo team for the upcoming season. Raffy Celis and Michael Asoro from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, as well as Gilas Youth standouts Mason Amos and Kyle Gamber, are also part of Ateneo's recruitment class for 2023.
