Amiel Acido was already in the United States last year as his family decided to move abroad, but he returned to University of Perpetual Help System DALTA to finish what he started.
Although the Junior Altas didn't end the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball tournament the way they wanted to, the 19-year-old do-it-all forward stressed that everything he sacrificed for, especially living away from his loved ones, was all worth it.
"Worth it ‘yung pagbalik ko sa Perpetual," Acido said.
"Nagpapasalamat ako kay God kasi siya ‘yung nagdala sa akin dito at makapag-decision ako nang maayos. And worth it naman."
(My return to Perpetual is all worth it. I thank God because he brought me here and I decided well. It was worth it.)
Acido's return to Las Piñas was nothing short of remarkable.
The 6-foot-3 rising star was among Perpetual head coach Joph Cleopas' steady players and was a key cog in their first Final Four appearance since 2010 and breakthrough finals trip.
The Antipolo native poured in 17.67 points per game in the elimination round alongside 10.0 rebounds, 4.11 assists, and 0.67 steals as the Junior Altas headed to the semifinals as the top team. He then dropped a double-double outing in their 111-80 comeback win against San Sebastian to arrange a championship duel with defending champion Letran.
Although they faltered against the Squires in the deciding Game 3 of the finals, Acido remained grateful for their unprecedented campaign.
"Nakaka-proud po sila. Ako as a team captain, sobrang proud ako sa kanila kasi pinakita nila ‘yung kakayahan nila na deserve nila ‘yung spot at ‘yung tiwala na binigay nila coach," he added.
(I am proud of them. As the team captain, I am very proud of them since they showed their talent and they deserve that spot and the trust from coach.)
Their historic run also backed up Acido's reason for returning to the Philippines, which is to find the opportunity where he can showcase his talent.
"Yung opportunity ko po kasi na makapaglaro nandito eh, so sinakripisyo ko na malayo muna sa pamilya ko at maglaro muna dito para sa future ko."
(The opportunity to play is here so I sacrificed being far from my family and play here for my future.)
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
