ANTIPOLO – Vic Manuel showed a glimpse of his old self in his first outing with new team Terrafirma.
The veteran forward led the way with 23 points and five rebounds in a 113-101 loss to Northport, Saturday night in the PBA Governors Cup which marked his debut game with the Dyip since being acquired in a four-player trade with San Miguel.
Manuel played extended minutes as the Dyip lost import Ryan Richards to injury early in the game, though he admitted he’s not yet totally back in game shape.
“Wala pa sa kundisyon. Hinihingal pa ako. Buti naka-buwelo ako nung second half,” he said afterwards.
“As in wala pa sa kundisyon. Kaka-practice ko lang two days ago, and then game na ngayon," he added.
“Tapos bigla wala pa kaming import. So mapipilitan ka talagang maglaro ng medyo mahabang minutes.”
But the good thing, according to Manuel, is that he’s back playing on the court again.
Despite the minor pain that he's still feeling, the important thing is that he’s getting the playing minutes that unfortunately, had been denied of him during his stay with the Beermen.
“May nararamdaman pa rin ng kaunti, pero kaya ko na yung laro. Kaya kailangan maintain ko na yung sarili ko, strengthening pa rin. Yun naman lagi kong ginagawa. Tinututukan ko yung injury ko.
“Kasi gusto ko pa talagang maglaro. Nakaka-miss yung maglaro sa loob ng court.”
And with ‘Muscle Man’ expected to regain his old familiar form, expect him to become one of the major players for a young team such as Terrafirma.
“Sa ngayon nandito ako, ipapakita ko yung worth ko para tulungan yung team na makakuha ng panalo,” said the 37-year-old Manuel. “Hindi mo masasabing madaling kumuha ng panalo ditto kasi young team ito, e.
“Tapos yung ibang players galing sa trade. Tapos si C-Stan wala, si TR (Terrence Romeo) may nararamdaman pa. So yun ang magiging role ko dito, kailangan i-guide ko yung mga bata,” he added.
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