BY John Miles Arcenal
ADAMSON might have missed out on an opening day shocker, but it sure sent a message in its first game of UAAP Season 88.
At the heart of it was senior big man Cedrick Manzano, who topscored for the Soaring Falcons with 19 points alongside nine rebounds, anchoring their near-upset of La Salle before eventually bowing in a narrow 58-60 loss.
Long known as a traditional center, Manzano has expanded his game, now providing more space from the paint as a stretch five.
“Sabi ni coach no’ng rookie ako, mag-focus lang ako sa isang role eh. Mag-s-step up na ako sa isang position,” he said.
But beyond the stat sheet, the 6-foot-5 Romblon native is also embracing the role of mentor and stabilizer for the young Adamson squad.
“Gawin lang nila ‘yung role nila. Mahirap ‘yung madaming role eh, parang sasabog ‘yung utak mo. Kapag alam mo na ‘yung role mo, susunod na lang ‘yung iba," he said.
“Sinasabi ko lang naman sa kanila na kahit kami nagkakamali, puwede nila kaming sabihan. So ‘pag may nakita silang mali sa’min, sabihan nila kami. Then ‘pag may nakita kaming mali sa kanila, sasabihan namin sila,"
His stat sheet contributions and on-court leadership were simply his way of repaying the trust given to him by head coach Nash Racela.
“Ever since naman siguro pinakita ko naman yung kakayanan ko sa kanya, so alam kong may tiwala naman si coach Nash sa’kin,” said the graduating center.
The Falcons may have dropped their opening assignment, but with their senior center of gravity holding firm, Adamson showed it won’t be an easy out for anyone this season.
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