As fast-paced as the world may be, great things take time. It’s a slow burn that comes with gradual progress. The climb could be linear, but it’s often an up and down process with the goal in sight. It’s just a matter of timing as well; it may take days, weeks, months, and even years before an opportunity turns into reality. 

For Amiel Acido, this has been his process so far. 

Acido was a highly-regarded rookie coming out of the NCAA and was the first member of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Atlas to be named MVP in the juniors division. Committing to the UST Growling Tigers would have meant a chance to contribute immediately, but Acido found himself playing behind Nic Cabanero, Kyle Paranada, and even Gelo Crisostomo. 

During his first two years with the Tigers, Acido bided his time and played whatever role was given to him. That he did not miss a single game was not lost on the UST coaching staff, who in Year Three gave the junior a shot to contribute and when they needed him the most, he showed up big time. 

The maturity and readiness was evident in Acido’s game as he was able to navigate through the DLSU Green Archers’ defense and aided the Tigers’ responses whenever the Green Archers would go on a run. It was an all-around performance for Acido, who was instrumental in UST’s multi-faceted attack that helped them earn their breakthrough win in UAAP Season 89. But beyond the versatility, it was Acido’s grace under pressure from the free throw line that helped seal the victory. 

Acido is currently second in the UAAP in scoring, averaging 18.5 points on 37.5/41.7/93.3 shooting splits. This is a huge jump from the 7.5 points per game he averaged in Season 88. He has also become the lead playmaker for the Tigers this early in Season 89, as his 5.5 assists per game lead the Tigers. 

All of these numbers point to the change in the forward’s role from when he stepped onto UST’s campus. Acido is now an “elder statesman” with the Tigers and after working under the shadows of his peers, it’s his turn to put his teammates both young and old in positions to succeed. 

Acido has been an iron man for UST, as he’s played in all of the Tigers’ games in the last two seasons and in both games thus far. That being said, UST will need him in the latter stages of the tournament. While it helped that the Tigers faced La Salle and the UP Fighting Maroons this early into the season, tougher battles lie ahead as they still need to face the NU Bulldogs and the FEU Tamaraws, among others. Then again, facing DLSU and the Maroons won’t be a walk in the park either. But history has shown that Acido will be there to help them navigate those battles. 

Amiel Acido could very well be the MVP by the end of UAAP Season 89, but what would matter more to Acido and the UST Growling Tigers would be ending their campaign in December, with the winner’s trophy in hand and the gold medals on their necks. All signs are pointing to a favorable outcome, but they will have to put the work in and be patient. Because good things come to those who wait.