Veteran Salva shines when it matters most
MANILA, Philippines – Throughout the Ateneo Blue Eagles' campaign in UAAP Season 74, most of the attention was focused on their rookies, Kiefer Ravena and Greg Slaughter.
Both Slaughter and Ravena were part of the Mythical Five, and the latter was crowned Rookie of the Year.
But during the Blue Eagles’ Finals series against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, it was veteran forward Nico Salva who stood tall and bagged the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Salva averaged 19.5 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game during Ateneo’s 2 games against the Tams. He was extremely efficient from the field, making 14-of-18 field goals (77.78%) and 11-of-12 free throws (91.67%).
In Game 1 of the Finals, Salva was 8-of-8 from the field and the free throw line.
“I think my hard work just paid off. It was just perfect timing,” he said of his performance. “I give credit to my teammates for trusting me and looking for me on the court.”
Ateneo coach Norman Black said they made an effort to give the ball to Salva, as they expected the Tamaraws to double-team Slaughter.
“I feel honored and blessed to be recognized as Finals MVP. I just played to win, and for me this award was just as bonus,” Salva said.
In the moment
“If you notice over the last four years, there are times when Nico takes a lot of shots, or he misses the open man,” Black said. “But he has a knack for being able to surrender to the moment when it’s crucial, when it’s championship time.”
Black said that with Salva’s performance in the Finals, “He’ll be known as a winner, and as a guy who’s willing to sacrifice at the end game.”
Salva became part of the Blue Eagles in 2008, as part of a recruiting class that includes Ryan Buenafe, Frank Golla and Justin Chua. They have now ended each one of their playing seasons with a championship.
“When we won the first and realized how great the Ateneo program is, it came to my mind that we can win it just every year, with hard work and dedication,” Salva said.
After the Blue Eagles celebrate their title, Salva says he will go back to the gym to work on his game.
“I’ll work on every aspect of my game, so I’ll improve and be able to lead my team to that 5-peat we are all hoping for,” he saidhttp://www.pba-online.net
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/10/04/11/veteran-salva-shines-when-it-matters-most
