VIC Manuel's contract with Terrafirma will expire next month but there has been no word from the team's bosses whether they will renew it as there has been no discussion yet about a possible extension.
Manuel, according to sources, is willing to return but only if the Terrafirma management would be willing to give him the same salary he was receiving from San Miguel. The amount has not been disclosed but it could be substantial as San Miguel is not known to scrimp on its players, particularly the caliber of Manuel.
People close to Manuel, who was part of the Juami Tiongson-Terrence Romeo trade last year, said the native of Licab, Nueva Ecija would not take a salary less than what SMC paid him if ever Terrafirma brings him back.
If no deal is reached, sources said Manuel might opt to leave the PBA and bring his wares to the MPBL. The same sources said a couple of MPBL teams have expressed interest for his services.
Manuel is said to be trying to get the maximum for his talent as he is not getting any younger. At 37, he believes there are only a few more really productive years left in him and he wanted to cash in on this before it's too late. - Gerry Ramos
When will Delta take over at Converge?
Pampanga Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda is not taking over Converge as head coach any time soon.
Last month, Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab said Pineda will eventually take over as the lead mentor of the FiberXers after the elections.
But with the way the FiberXers are performing in the Commissioner’s Cup, Pineda, who won two crowns as MPBL coach with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, said he doesn’t want to rock the boat. Plus, he remains busy as a public servant in Pampanga.
“Wala pa ho kasi first, nasa public service po ako. And okay naman ang sitwasyon ng coaching staff natin. Kung nakikita niyo, there’s Franco (Atienza), Charles (Tiu), mga other assistant coaches. Okay naman ang relasyon. Ang ganda naman ng takbo ng team,” said Pineda.
Converge concluded the elimination round with an 8-4 win-loss record, and is headed, at least, to a best-of-three quarterfinals.
“Wala pa po sa isip ko ‘yun. I’m here to support the team, and ‘yung commitment ko po with the team owner, kaya nandito po tayo,” said Pineda, after it was noted that he had been very active lately in bench activities in Converge games. - Reuben Terrado
Angel Canino looms as top prospect in next PVL draft
With a stacked 2025 PVL Draft class on the horizon, the NXled's 0-7 record in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference makes it on track at a possible shot at picking first in the draft to be held later this year.
Only the draft lottery stands in NXled's way from securing the No. 1 pick.
SPIN.ph sources said former UAAP MVP Angel Canino is high up in the list of potential star draftees, should the Alas Pilipinas ace forego her final playing year after Season 87.
There are speculations that Canino may eventually end up in the Akari stable as her dad Rodel is among the Chargers' current deputies. But a Nxled to Akari pathway for the La Salle star is probably off the table since there is a currrent PVL ban on sister-team transactions.
But if Nxled is determined to improve it's game and be a serious PVL contender, then it definitely could use a talent like Canino who could be a player they could built its franchise around. - John Mark Garcia
PBA lays groundwork for '50 Greatest' selection
THE PBA will soon announce the names of 10 more players to complete its 50 Greatest to coincide with the league's 50th anniversary celebration in April.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said he has begun discussion with prospective members of the selection committee. He declined to disclose their identities pending their official acceptance to be part of the process.
“May binubuo ng committee. Hindi pa nakakausap lahat pero composed ‘yun of officials, former players and coaches, and media,” said Marcial.
The 10 players will be added to the 40 greatest players who were previously named in 2015.
The new members of the league’s greatest players will be intrioduced during the PBA’s 50th anniversary celebration on April 9.
Marcial said the PBA has also lined up activities in relation to the event.
Expect announcements regarding the league’s 50th anniversary celebration in the coming weeks, he said. - Reuben Terrado
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