JETT Manuel admits he is still finding his rhythm but is confident he will be able to get back his usual form in time for Mighty Sports’ stint in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament.
Manuel announced his retirement from the PBA early this month but said he has stayed active and won’t take long to got back his timing.
The tournament is set February 1 to 9.
“More of staying in shape. When I got the call, I had to get back my basketball rhythm pero playing outside, laro laro lang pero nothing competitive (after retirement),” said Manuel.
“A little bit of mistiming pa pero hindi naman ako years retired,” Manuel said.
“It’s good. I’m happy where I am right now. I made a decision and now, I’m focused on what I want to do with Mighty Sports. Giving me an opportunity to play with them because of my relationship with them before pa. I’m excited. I want to focus on giving my best for Mighty.”
Manuel said he is still surprised with the reaction of the Ginebra fans when he announced that he will no longer play in the PBA after just one season in the league.
“Actually, I didn’t expect it to blow up the way it did. Maybe that’s Ginebra and the situation that I was put in. Other than that, (I’m) fine. It’s a decision I made. I’m happy. I have no regrets. Like coach Tim (Cone) said, we have different paths. I’m still friends and I stayed in contact with my teammates. Kasama ko pa si Justin (Brownlee),” Manuel said.
Manuel is also pleased also plays once again play alongside Ginebra star Justin Brownlee.
“It’s fun. Before kasi, hindi kami masyado magkakilala. Now, magkasama kami. It’s enjoyable the relationship we have with Ginebra. We are good friends,” said Manuel.
Mighty Sports won only one game two years ago in the Dubai tournament, but Manuel expressed confidence the team will be better with Lamar Odom as import and a batch of young players.
“Optimistic ako. It’s more of a chemistry thing. We have the talent to compete. It’s more of getting to know the plays and even the coaching staff and what they want to execute. I think based from before, this team is a lot better. We are younger, more energetic. I think we are going to win more,” said Manuel.
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