GILAS Pilipinas’ call-up of Cedrick Manzano for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games turned out to be what the doctor ordered for coach Norman Black.
Black went deep into the bench by bringing in Manzano for the final minutes of the Philippines’ gold-medal game against Thailand where he filled in for Poy Erram after he fouled out midway in the fourth quarter.
Black lauded Manzano for his presence inside, especially on defense and on the boards during the pivotal moments of the game. Against Thailand, Manzano had four points and four rebounds in 13 minutes and 28 seconds of play.
READ: Erram thanks college coach Black for Gilas comeback, SEAG gold
“Cedrick helped us the entire tournament,” said Black. “He filled in. He played about maybe 14 to 15 minutes and he filled in. Defensively, he has been really, really solid, can follow-up around the basket, he makes his lay-ups.”
Manzano was one of two collegiate players who were brought in for Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd SEA Games. The formation of the team were hounded by several revisions after the hosts' flipflopping on eligibility rules.
The 6-foot-5 Manzano was just fresh from his stint with Adamson in the UAAP when he got the call-up.
“Usually, nasa Panalay ako nung time na ‘yun,” said Manzano with a smile. “Nung tumawag sila, pumunta agad ako, ginrab ko ‘yung opportunity.”
During the SEA Games, Manzano became one of the third stringers in the Gilas big man rotation that includes Poy Erram and Justin Chua. Despite playing behind the vets, he certainly provided quality minutes for the Nationals.
His role with the national team is far from that with Adamson where he is a focal point of the Falcons’ offense.
“I’m happy for Cedrick. Cedrick was a last-minute replacement. So for him to come in and play this well really bodes well for his future in basketball,” Black said.
“Siguro ginawa ko naman ‘yung part ko,” said Manzano. “Kung ano ang kailangan nila, ‘yun ang ginawa ko. Hindi muna ako nag-focus sa offense. Nag-focus ako sa defense.”
For Manzano, it was the highest of honor not only in bringing glory to the country, but by also being a part of a team that had professional players from the PBA and the Japan B.League.
“Sobrang saya kasi marami akong natutunan sa kanila on and off the court."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
