ROOKIES rarely become vital pieces n the team.
But Titing Manalili is no ordinary rookie.
The spunky Cebuano guard is expected to be an integral part of the Letran Knights' rebuild this upcoming NCAA Season 100, thanks largely to his familiarity with the system of new head coach Allen Ricardo.
Moving up from the Squires to the Knights, Manalili was not just an energizer bunny but an extra gear that kept the Letran engine running in the Filoil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup.
Despite the high expectations placed on his shoulders, the 6-foot guard said that at the end of the day, he’s still a neophyte looking up to his seniors.
“Syempre ako pa rin 'yung naga-adjust kasi sila ang may experience sa college,” said the son of former Mama's Love forward and Cebu-based coach.
Manalili impresses
Ricardo was impressed with how well Manalili has transitioned from the juniors level to the seniors.
“In two years na nahawakan ko si Jonathan, lagi kong sinasabi sa mga bata yung fundamentals. And hindi lang sa kanya, kaya rin siguro in a way, mas nagiging madali para sa kanila gawin yung mga pinapagawa ko both on offense and defense,” said the youthful mentor.
“Pero si Titing naman, sinasabihan ko yan lagi na hindi magiging madali yung college basketball. Pero lagi ko naman nire-remind sa kanya yung maturity, na going to college marami talagang temptations. Pero lagi ko lang sinasabi sa kanya na maging disiplinado siya at alagaan lang yung katawan niya.”
There’s no question that Manalili will be a game-changer for Letran whenever he steps on the basketball court.
But Ricardo, staying true to his core, reminded the Knights that this is still a five-a-side game and that the Muralla side’s reclamation job will still depend on the whole team and not just one person.
“Always naman yung success namin will depend on how we defend and make good decisions,” Ricardo said. “So para sa mga bata, they just have to be man enough, play the right way, and be accountable.”
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