MATT Nieto picked Kevin Durant’s pocket on Sunday when the Ateneo star guard went home with the NBA superstar’s cap after their exhibition on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Following a dunk attempt in the first half, Durant’s white Nike cap fell on the floor (see photo below)– and Nieto wasted little time picking it up and wearing it.
“Actually, yung cap talaga, simula pa lang, sabi ko, ‘Sana makuha ko yung cap’ kasi suot-suot niya habang naglalaro,” Nieto admitted. “And talagang timing na nahulog yung cap. First instinct ko talaga kunin tapos tumakbo talaga ako.”
After wearing it for a while, Nieto had the courtesy to approach Durant to try to return the headgear.
“Nahiya naman ako, kasi baka gusto niya ulit. Nung pagka-approach ko sa kanya, I said, ‘Do you want to have it back? Sorry if I got it.’ Tapos: ‘No, no, just keep it.’ Tapos talagang dun ako natuwa kasi minsan mo lang makakuha ng cap na ganito eh,” Nieto related.
Nieto’s teammates tried to pry the prized souvenir away from him, but he continued to do his best defensive effort.
It was a double celebration for Nieto as his Nike All-Stars team scored an 85-82 win over Durant’s Hypercourt squad.
He left the court amazed by the NBA star.
“Ganun pala siya ka-tangkad,” Nieto said of the 6-foot-9 Durant, who looks two inches taller. “Sobrang amazing maglaro. It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to play with him.”
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