Mike Nieto

Michael Joseph L. Nieto (born May 31, 1997) is a Filipino professional basketball player for the TNT Tropang 5G of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He played college basketball for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). He was drafted fifth overall during the special Gilas round of the 2019 PBA draft.

Early life and education Michael Joseph L. Nieto is the son of Jet Nieto, who played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles and won UAAP titles in 1987 and 1988. He has a twin brother, Matt, who is also a professional basketball player. During high school, he played for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets. In high school, he played the center and power forward positions and weighed 220 pounds. He stated that the team exemplified the best versions of themselves to achieve that record. He signed a contract extension with the program in January 2021. He also was part of the roster for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Serbia. He scored 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in his first game. His performance helped end a two-game losing streak for the team. Coach Chris Gavina praised Nieto for his work ethic and effort during practice. Later that year, opposing coach Chot Reyes commended Nieto for his efficient scoring during an overtime game against TNT Tropang Giga.

Converge FiberXers (2023–2025) In May 2023, Nieto was traded to the Converge FiberXers. Rain or Shine received two second-round draft picks for the 49th and 50th seasons in exchange. In June 2023, he signed a two-year contract extension with Converge. He was a key part of the team's rotation under head coach Aldin Ayo. He continued to contribute when Charles Tiu took over as head coach. By June 2025, Nieto was released by Converge and placed on the unrestricted free agent list. A dislocated finger had sidelined him for part of the Philippine Cup that year.

TNT Tropang Giga/5G (2025–present) Nieto joined the TNT Tropang Giga in June 2025. He joined the team to help with backcourt depth due to injuries to other players. The extension was confirmed by TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa. He agreed to the new deal ahead of the PBA's 50th season.

Personal life Nieto has a younger brother named Lebron who also plays basketball. He is known to be protective of his twin brother Matt on the court. He proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Aimee Lontok, in December 2023. The couple got married in December 2024. They had been in a relationship for nine years before getting married.