Anton Asistio almost didn't make Ateneo lineup three years ago

Anton Asistio just ended his collegiate career as a two-time champion and Ateneans paid tribute to him by putting up "Salamat Anton" banners all over the arena.

Anton Asistio cuts the net for Ateneo @gmanews pic.twitter.com/iyPelKNZ3I

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) December 5, 2018

But three years ago, it was a different story for him.

After making it to the Blue Eagles' lineup in his first two years, he was relegated to Team B in his third year in the program. Instead of sulking, he saw it as an opportunity to improve himself.

"Kasi the fact that they sent me down is siguro parang may kulang pa ako as a player. With the help of Coach Yuri [Escueta], I was able to develop my skills and regain my confidence," the senior said.

The arrival of Tab Baldwin in the Ateneo basketball program also gave him an opportunity to showcase his skills and prove that he was worthy of a slot for the A team of the Blue Eagles.

"Lucky enough, in my fourth year, a new head coach was appointed. I knew it was another chance. It was a clean slate for everyone. He didn’t really know everyone so it was a new challenge for me. The rest is history," Asistio said.

Baldwin admitted he almost did not include Asistio in the lineup, describing the point guard him as "too short, too slow, too weak."

"When I looked at him, I saw a point guard. I saw his size, we tried it at the point and not long after that, I said 'Well, who else [are we] gonna put in the roster cause he’s not gonna make it?'" Balwdin recalled.

"Coaches say to me Anton’s a great shooter, he’s not gonna back down. I’m like 'He’s too short, too slow, too weak and he can’t handle the ball,'" he added.

However, Asistio improved himself and earned Baldwin's respect.

"From that point on, one thing I learned about Anton was don’t ever tell him there’s something he can’t do. [He is] a tremendous fighter, a tremendous competitor, a winner. Every day he pushes himself very hard," Baldwin added.

"At least I have to give him a fair shot. What did we end up with? We ended up with a body that got in the weight room; changed his body, changed his mentality, continued to be a great shooter, became very dependable in handling the ball, and also one of our more defensive players."

For Baldwin, hard work was Asistio's key to where he is right now.

"He’s sitting here today as a graduating senior with all the laurels that he deserves because he worked a lot. There is no greater compliment than to see somebody pursue their potential and go a long way towards reaching it," Baldwin added.

"I would endorse this guy, back him in any endeavor because I believe in him so much. He’s a great kid, great young man, he’s gonna do great things in life." —LA, GMA News