Height usually matters in basketball. But not for Ateneo de Cebu’s Anton Niño Araw-Araw
At 5 feet and 4 inches, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu guard Anton Niño Araw-Araw oftentimes finds himself as the smallest guy on the floor – and the one with the biggest heart.
In spite of his lack of ceiling, the graduating guard has always played larger than life, as he showed once again in the championship game of the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National High School Championship which was held last weekend at the Meralco Gym.
Ranged against the hoops talent factory San Beda Red Cubs and their talented guards, Araw-Araw was unfazed and masterfully orchestrated the Magis Eagles’ attack on both ends of the floor to help them emerge victorious, 82-78, and lay claim to the title of the country’s finest high school basketball team.
And while his numbers during that fateful game – five points, two rebounds, two steals – do not largely reflect his impact on the game’s outcome, Araw-Araw asserted that he doesn’t care about the numbers, nor does he care about his height or the opponent standing in front of him. All that matters is his team and helping it as best he can.
“My height doesn’t really matter. What matters is the heart and the passion to improve on my game each and every day. Because if I do that, I can contribute to my team and help my teammates out,” said Araw-Araw in an interview last Monday evening as the Magis Eagles celebrated their latest victory.
The younger brother of former Ateneo de Cebu ace, Cesafi juniors Rookie of the Year and Mythical Five member Arc Gabrielle Araw-Araw, Anton Niño said that his eight years with the school and the team has been memorable. But this past season takes the cake.
“This past season has been really special. Winning the Cesafi title last year and then getting beaten in the CVIRAA. We really took that loss seriously and used it as fuel heading to the NBTC tournament,” Araw-Araw added.
Asked if he felt at any time, scared going up against San Beda’s talented backcourt of the La Salle-bound Andrei Caracut and Marc Joper Diputado, Araw-Araw said that he felt confident especially since he knew his teammates had his back.
After an eventful high school career, Araw-Araw said that he will be enrolling at the University of San Carlos for college where he will be aiming for a degree in engineering and follow in the footsteps of his father, Ariel.