During the offseason, a number of former Ateneo players just extended their contracts with their respective PBA clubs.

Tyler Tio, a frequent trade target following a strong rookie campaign, received a new deal with Phoenix, and Matt Nieto and Converge agreed to an extension of his contract.

Tio agreed to a three-year contract with an adjustment clause for the second year. The 22-year-old upcoming sophomore accepted the contract in the presence of Raymond Zorilla. 

There were also Titan Management Group representatives PJ Pilares and team manager Paolo Bugia.

Tio was selected by Phoenix in the second round of last year’s draft (at pick No. 14 overall), and he went on to have a strong rookie season in which he emerged as one of the Fuel Masters’ most dependable players.

Meanwhile, Nieto signed a two-year deal with Converge after they just traded for him from Rain or Shine in exchange for two second-round picks.

Nieto, a special Gilas draft pick in 2019 by Rain or Shine, was accompanied during the contract signing by Pilares, who was also represented by Titan Management Group. The signing took place in front of FiberXers coach Aldin Ayo, team manager Frank Lao, and deputy team manager CJ Kanapi-Danielco.

Meanwhile, Elvis Tolentino, the coach of Marikina, was fined P75,000 and given a one-game suspension for kicking Felipe Chavez during their match against Pasig last week.

After his acts were recorded on camera and a video of them recently went viral, Tolentino was punished. The league viewed Tolentino’s actions as inappropriate for a basketball coach.

According to MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, the commission would like to reaffirm its dedication to fostering a positive and safe environment that is free from violence and supportive of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship for all players, coaches, and staff members during every game and every event.

With 14.7 seconds left in the game, Tolentino took action, and Pasig went on to win after Chavez made a mistake.

The majority of internet users criticized Tolentino’s action, while some, especially those in the basketball world, claimed that it was also acceptable and part of a coach’s “tough love” toward a player.

Additionally, the Games and Amusements Board is looking into the situation.

In Tuesday’s match between Marikina and Paranaque in Calapan, Occidental Mindoro, Tolentino will serve the suspension.