MANILA, Philippines – Young National University big man Matt Aquino got passing grades from his coach and his teammates after making his surprising UAAP debut for the Bulldogs in a 66-75 loss to De La Salle last Sunday.

Aquino was initially declared ineligible to play in Season 79 by the UAAP Board, but according to a Tiebreaker Times report, he was able to suit up against the Green Archers after NU secured a temporary restraining order (TRO), effective for 72 hours.

Aquino, who first played for Adamson University in Season 77 before transferring to National U, entered the game with 1:50 to go in the first quarter, played for almost 15 minutes and tallied three points and three rebounds, while serving as one of the primary defenders against La Salle center Ben Mbala.

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"Pretty decent naman," NU coach Eric Altamirano said of Aquino's first stint for his team. "He helped us a little bit when Alfred (Aroga) got into foul trouble."

"Aquino has a big role. He's another big man who can stretch the floor and he can help us get rebounds," said Matt Salem, who top-scored for NU with 15 points in the loss. "We're happy that he's back. We're gonna have to synch him back into the system, and hopefully, we'll be all right from there."

Aroga, who played only 22 minutes due to foul trouble, said the young Aquino "played good" and "helped the team a lot."

"That's something we need for upcoming games… He's gonna help the team a lot, so it's a positive," Aroga added.

Aquino, who showed off a surprising stroke from deep as well as a solid defensive presence, was not entirely satisfied with his performance, and admits that he was surprised to have been given the go-signal to play in the first place.

"Mixed emotions lang talaga," he said. "Ang alam ko, 'di ako makakalaro. Nagulat ako noong binunot ako ni Coach Eric. Unprepared talaga ako, so praise God."

("I had mixed emotions. I really thought that I won't be able to play, so I was surprised when Coach Eric subbed me in. I was unprepared, so praise God.")

Aquino, who averaged only 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in his lone season for Adamson, did not deny that the notion of being ineligible for the entirety of the tournament depressed him, especially after going through a one-year residency period in NU.

"Noong tinawag lang ako ni coach Eric, doon ko lang nalaman na makakalaro ako," he said. "Noong binunot niya lang talaga ako, doon ko lang talaga nalaman."

"Kulang pa," Aquino also said of his performance. "Kayang-kaya ko pa mag-contribute. 'Di lang ako prepared talaga; nagulat ako. Marami pa akong mako-contribute at ipe-play ko lang 'yung role ko."

("When Coach Eric called me, that was the only time I knew I was going to play… My performance is still lacking. I can still contribute more to the team, but I was unprepared today and surprised. But I know I can still contribute more and play my role.")

As for his fate for the rest of the UAAP season, Aquino is leaving it up to his father and NU management.

"'Yung management and si dad lang ang nagu-usap. Nagre-ready lang talaga ako. Management na 'yun. 'Di ko alam kung paano ako nakalaro," he admitted.

"Sana talaga [maging eligible ako for the season], kasi gusto ko matulungan 'yung team eh," Aquino also said. "Kailangan ko matulungan si Alfred."

("The management and my father are talking. I'm just getting ready. I don't know how I was able to play… but I hope I will be eligible for the season because I want to help the team, and I need to help Alfred.")

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