We all have our reasons why we prefer some jersey numbers over others.
Basketball players, even with their athletic prowess, can be superstitious. Michael Jordan always wore his University of North Carolina shorts under official game uniform back in his playing days. Ray Allen had a strict, on-the-dot schedule that cannot be broken.
Hoopers in all levels have their own routines and peculiarities — anything that can can make them feel better and thus give them the edge on the court.
This author, back in his high school varsity days, believes that some jersey numbers have more luck than others. Many pro ballers likewise have their own stories behind their jersey numbers.
Matt Nieto of the NLEX Road Warriors, recently changed his number from 31 to 12. Only that, it wasn’t really a change if you squint your eyes. 12 is the same number he wore in Ateneo.
But after being drafted by NLEX in the 2019 PBA Draft, Nieto could not wear his favorite number because a veteran and a fellow Ateneo alum in Larry Fonacier was wearing it.
“Naging 31 ako para sa dad ko at sa tito ko,” the 26-year-old point guard told One Sports.
But now that Fonacier has retired and has taken on the role of Road Warriors’ team manager, the young floor general can now wear number 12.
“Tagal kong hinihiritan si kuya Larry dito,” said a grateful Nieto, who recently got married to long-time girlfriend Bianca Matanguihan.
“Sabi ko nga, siya pa magsulat doon sa jersey number [list] . . . para pass over the throne sa akin,” he added.
Now, Matt did not say wearing number 12 is one of his superstitions, or if he even believes in such. But if having 12 on his back makes him feel good, who are we to judge?
Besides, it seems to have worked its magic, with NLEX winning on Saturday and starting the Governors’ Cup with a 2-0 slate.