BETTER late than never for Letran, as it's set to bring Titing Manalili into the fold - formally, this time around.
This is already the 6-foot-1 guard's second straight year for the Knights in the Filoil Preseason. Last time, however, he was unable to continue into the collegiate season, as injury woes and academic issues forced him to sit out his supposed rookie campaign.
READ: Titing Manalili out for Letran's redemption season
Fast forward to now and Manalili is all good to go once and for all - with a clean bill of health and passing marks in school.
And he made an immediate impact in his return for Letran in the PlayTime Cares 18th FilOil Preseason Cup, scoring 21 points built on perfect shooting on two-pointers to go with seven assists and three rebounds.
"Na-miss ko 'tong gan'tong laro. Masaya ako kasi nakabalik na 'ko," he expressed after their 72-68 victory against Arellano in the preseason opener on Sunday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Manalili makes sure
Of course, the Cebuano baller is as determined as ever to prove he's worth the wait for the Knights, who are ready and raring to charge back into contention after being on the outside looking into the playoff picture of NCAA Season 100.
"Nalungkot ako noong last year kasi 'di ako nakapaglaro. Nalungkot ako para sa family ko kasi expectation nila, makakapaglaro ako," he said.
Manalili also detailed that he talked it out with team management and coaches and, of course, all of them wish to move forward from last year's unfortunate turn of events.
As he put it, "Ayaw na naming balikan yun."
While the 21 year old was out of the limelight, he detailed that he focused on recovery, both mentally and physically.
And now, he is eager to reclaim the time that has slipped away from him.
"Gusto kong makabawi and sana maging consistent ako," he said.
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