ANTIPOLO – Another Alaska player is challenging Calvin Abueva for 'The Beast' label.
Tony Campbell believes Vic Manuel is also worthy of Abueva’s famous moniker for his efficient play that has led the Aces to three straight wins after starting the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a loss.
Manuel continued to live up to being the Aces’ Sixth Man on Sunday, putting up 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting, 12 rebounds, one assist, and one steal in less than 26 minutes on the court to lead the Aces to a 110-100 win over TNT KaTropa.
“Vic's a beast,” Campbell said. “I know that's Calvin Abueva's name but Vic is a beast, the Muscle Man. He takes advantage of those big guns he has.”
“I told him if he can score on me in practice, he can score on everybody. He took that to heart and he's doing his thing,” he added.
With Manuel maximizing his time on the court and getting more defensive attention, Campbell has seen more open looks, allowing him to be effective as evidenced by his 20-20 of 23 points, including two triples, 20 rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 35 minutes.
“(He makes my job) a lot easier, especially when we're on the floor at the same time,” Campbell said. “When he gets the ball on the post, can't really double him. It makes my job easier, it makes his job easier. It works both ways.”
Apart from Manuel, the rest of the Aces’ locals have been pitching in significant support to Campbell.
“Our guys gave all they had,” the young import said. “Our motto this year since I've been here is "keep going and don't stop." Our first game got away from us but we actually had a chance to win, that's because we didn't stop and kept going.”
“We did that today too and we kept our foot on the gas, it led to a victory and hopefully we can keep doing that,” he added.
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