VIC Manuel and Kiefer Ravena have more reasons to rejoice going to the PBA 45th season.
The two star players were finally given the green light to change jersey numbers starting the season-opening Philippine Cup as a way of giving tribute to their basketball idol, the late Kobe Bryant.
Both Manuel and Ravena will replace their old jersey numbers in favor of 24.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said the players and mother ballclubs just have to advise the league earlier about their plans in order to make the proper adjustment just before the season opener.
“I-notify lang nila ng mas maaga yung liga para mailagay sa official roster yung bagong jersey number nila,” said Marcial.
The league chief added the PBA properties and mother ballclubs of Ravena and Manuel will have to coordinate together regarding the matter to make the necessary adjustments especially in the team merchandise.
Manuel carried jersey No. 87 with the Aces as a tribute to his older daughter who was born August 7, while Ravena has been using No. 15 way back since his high school days.
Manuel proudly showed to SPIN.ph his jersey no. 24 which he wore during the just concluded Phoenix Super Basketball Tournament.
“Ito na suot ko na yung (no.) 24. Binigyan na ako ng no.24. Sinabi ko na kay coach Franco (Atienza) at management na magpapalit ako ng numero,” he said.
“Sobrang idol ko kasi yun si Kobe,” added the Alaska forward, who didn’t mince words about him shedding a tear when the legendary Los Angele Laker superstar perished in a helicopter crash last month along with eight others, including daughter Gianna.
This is the third time the 32-year-old native of Licab, Nueva Ecija will be changing jersey number.
He previously wore no. 4 for the Aces, but decided to junk it in favor of 87 since he frequently got injured during the time he used it with the Aces.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
