Matthew Aquino shares dad Marlou involved, happy for his 'once-in-a-lifetime' B.League opportunity

When the opportunity to play professional basketball in Japan presented itself, Matthew Aquino already knew exactly whom to consult as he begins to tread a new path in his budding career.

The 25-year-old slotman shared that his father, PBA legend Marlou Aquino, was involved in the entire process of Matthew's signing with the Shinshu Brave Warriors in the ongoing 2021-2022 Japan B.League.

The second-generation baller added that his father has always been supportive of his decisions both on the court and outside of it.

"Of course, he was really happy because chances like this are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities but he was also surprised so we discussed the matter very well," Matthew told GMA News Online.

"He was very much involved in the process. He helped me in talking to all the people involved. [He] gave guidance and wisdom as always. But in everything that I do, he's always there."

The 6-foot-7 beanpole shared that there were three other B.League clubs who inquired about him through his agents, with one having a bigger offer than what Shinshu gave him.

But with the guidance of his father and his family, he decided to suit up for the Brave Warriors.

"I, along with my family and agents, decided that it would be best for my career to play for the Shinshu Warriors regardless of amount of the offer," he shared.

"The offer of the other team was much bigger but my priority as an athlete is to grow professionally and personally, I believe I will be able to grow well with the guidance of the Shinshu Warriors."

Unlike the eight other Filipino cagers seeing action in the B.League as imports through the Asian Player Quota, Matthew will play for Shinshu as a local. He's a holder of a Japanese passport after he has acquired Japanese citizenship through his mother, whose own mother is also Japanese.

At this point of his career, the younger Aquino shared that he no longer feels the pressure of living up to the career of his legendary father, who boasts of numerous achievements in the PBA such as three PBA titles and seven PBA All-Star appearances.

"Before, there was pressure but I no longer see it as pressure but only a motivation to push myself everyday," he said.

"He also told me to not be pressured and just enjoy the journey. I'm just focused and will try to do my best every practice and game. I’m really looking forward to playing with these guys."

—JMB, GMA News