Matthew Daves bids farewell to Ateneo

Matthew Daves has opted not to return for his final playing year of eligibility with Ateneo de Manila University.

The 24-year old Blue Eagle announced the decision on Tuesday.

"I, Matthew 'Chew' Daves #21, Forward, of the Ateneo Blue Eagles Men’s Basketball Team will be forgoing his last season and 5th playing year," he wrote in an Instagram post.

Daves was part of Ateneo's championship in Seasons 81, 82, and 85.

"I am grateful for the memories that I was able to be a part of and thankful for everyone who has been a part of sharing and creating them," he added.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by matthew daves (@chewdaves)

Daves said his next step "will all be towards becoming a better basketball player, but most importantly a better man."

"In my grueling efforts, dragging myself through the trenches of self improvement, with every cut, scrape and bruise I will continue to bleed blue," he added.

In Season 85, Daves averaged 1.93 points and 1.13 rebounds. 

Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo said the school supports Daves' decision.

"We at Ateneo support our athlete's decision if they want to turn professional. More than winning a championship, our program's main goal is to turn student-athletes into professionals," Quimpo said in a statement.

"They will be always welcome to train with us in order to continue the process of becoming better players heading into the pro league."

Daves, an Interdisciplinary Studies graduate, joined the likes of Dave Ildefonso, Ange Kouame, BJ Andrade, and Jacob Lao in the list of players who donned the blue and white for the last time in Season 85.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News