NUMBERS from Cedrick Manzano’s pro debut won’t jump off the stat sheet, but all in all, his game said a lot more than the numbers showed.
The Quezon Province rookie put up seven points, five rebounds, and two assists in the Huskers' 66-59 MPBL season-opening win over Biñan.
READ: Quezon outlasts Binan to open MPBL 2026 campaign on a high
It was in his assignment against legendary Marc Pingris, however, where he made his mark.
“Medyo na-pressure pa ako kasi nakalaban ko din si Pingris, so isang karangalan na makalaban siya,” Manzano told SPIN.ph. “Buti, naka-adjust ako.”
Despite the modest stat line, Manzano played his part in limiting Pingris to just six points and three rebounds - not necessarily what we're used to seeing from 'Pinoy Sakuragi.'
“May game plan naman kami sa kanya, kaya ginawa ko lang yung pinagawa sa akin ng coach,” he said.
More than the stout defense, though, it was the lessons that stood out, especially in an expectedly physical face-off against a known bruiser like Pingris.
“Gusto ko lang matutunan sa kanya kung paano yung footwork niya,” he stated.
Pingris' praise
For his part, the onetime Gilas Pilipinas stalwart sang the praises of the young big from Adamson.
“Future yan. Meron na yan. Nararamdaman ko na someday, nasa PBA itong batang ‘to,” Pingris also shared with SPIN.ph. “Parang naramdaman ko sa kanya na meron siyang galaw, meron siyang laro.”
“Kung sakali man, alam ko na 'pag nandyan siya, mas matututo pa siya. Alam kong iga-guide siya ng mga beterano. May future yung bata.”
The nine-time PBA champion pointed out that while Manzano of course needs to refine parts of his game, the foundation has already been laid.
As he put it, “Kailangan niya pa ng konting footwork, at alam ko na malayo mararating niya.”
“Tapos kailangan magbawas ng konting timbang, more on muscle, pero kailangan mas bumilis pa ng konti. Kasi 'pag sa international, iba na talaga yung experience,” Pingris said, as Manzano also has a Gilas tour of duty under his belt.
Big picture, though, the 15-year PBA veteran has no doubt the future of the Philippine frontline is in good hands with the likes of the 6-foot-5 former Soaring Falcon.
“'Pag na-improve niya yun, malayo mararating at marami siyang papahirapan,” he said.
In a game where the Huskers got the win, Manzano garnered something all for himself: validation from somebody he can pattern his game after.
Because in his first night as a pro, Manzano didn’t just face Pingris, the youngster actually earned the legend's respect.
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