CONVERGE may have fallen short of a first-ever PBA semifinals appearance, but veteran forward Vic Manuel sees a bright future for the young franchise.
The 38-year-old said the FiberXers' young, talented core anchored by rookie Juan Gomez De Liano and Twin Towers of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar is capable of making the semis, finals, and eventually winning a breakthrough championship in the years to come.
“May future 'yung team,” said Manuel, who is fondly called 'Tito Vic' by the FiberXers.
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The two-time champion, who was inked to a short-term contract by Converge just before the playoffs, noted the team has length, size, and athleticism blended with youth which were already there even before he arrived.
“Sobrang talented nila, ang lalaki. Nanlilit ako sa team na ito lalo na sa mga big guys,” said Manuel. “Ang lalaki lahat, halos 6-6 pataas. Ako lang yung pinakamaliit na big man dito.”
Manuel played in the team’s last three outings, two in the playoff loss to Barangay Ginebra including the heartbreaking the 99-98 loss in their do-or-die encounter for a seat in the semifinals on Sunday night.
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He averaged 4.0 points and 1.6 rebounds in his league comeback since the Season 49 Philippine Cup when he was still with Terrafirma.
Manuel said he didn’t hesitate when Converge called him up for a possible return in the league.
“Nung tumawag sila (Converge) hindi na ako nag dalawang isip pa na i-grab yung opportunity lalo na sa PBA ka ulit maglalaro,” he added.
Too bad, the FiberXers didn’t go deeper in the playoffs.
Manuel’s short contract with Converge also ends by the time the conference finishes. It remains up in the air whether he’ll be renewed or not.
Nonetheless, he believes the FiberXers have what it takes go far - with or without him.
“Tingin ko naman kaya. “Bago naman ako dumating dito lumalaban na ito e,” he said.
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