NOTHING beats experience.
Gearing up for the coming PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup playoffs, Converge thought it best to bring in one more veteran player who’ll be able to rise to the occasion once the going gets tough.
And Vic Manuel certainly fits the bill.
Finding the 38-year-old power forward available, the FiberXers wasted no time to tap the services of Manuel to complement their young and talented, but untested lineup.
“Kailangan nila (FiberXers) ng tito sa game. Kailangan ng beterano para makatulong,” said Converge coach Delta Pineda.
READ: Vic Manuel returns to PBA by signing short-term Converge contract
On short notice and signed on a short contract, Manuel played his first game with the FiberXers right away and contributed in their 107-95 come-from-behind win in overtime against NLEX on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Manuel played barely seven minutes, but finished with five points, four rebounds, and four assists in the win that put Converge on track to for a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals after improving to a 7-4 record.
Although still groping for form after going on a three-week break following his stint with the Pangasinan Heatwaves in the MPBL, the ‘Muscleman’ received a passing grade from Pineda.
“Kundisyon naman nang kaunti,” said a smiling Pineda, adding the few days break before the playoffs would be good enough for Manuel to get in even better shape and further adjust to the FiberXers’ system.
Big boost for big men
But without a doubt, Pineda believes Manuel, who last suited up in the PBA for Terrafirma, would be a big help to the team’s hopes of making it to the semis for the first time in franchise history.
He’ll also be a much-welcome addition to Converge's talented frontline of Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, and Larry Muyang, especially with fellow veteran Rafi Reavis injured and not playing.
“Vic has championship experience,” said Pineda of Manuel, who won two championships with San Miguel and had a number of finals appearances with both the Beermen and Alaska in the past.
“During the playoffs, makakatulong (siya).”
The trade of Pao Javillonar to Titan Ultra for the Giant Risers’ second round pick in the Season 51 draft paved the way for the FiberXers to sign Manuel.
“Nawalan kami ng isang player because of the trade. May open spot,” said Pineda.
“Kaya we think Vic is the best guy para sa position na yun. Even sa bench, nakakatulong siya na palakasin ang loob ng mga bata.”
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