‘MUSCLE MAN’ GETTING JOB DONE FOR ACES
WITH Vic “Muscle Man” Manuel playing inspired inside the Clark bubble, the Alaska Aces strung three consecutive victories to make a statement in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.
M anuel has been carrying the Aces on his broad shoulders to piece averages of 15.2 points and 6.6 rebounds in five games for one of his best starts in the league.
A laska fell to TNT Tropang Giga (95-100) and Meralco (81-93), but sprang to life in its next three assignments—magnolia (87-81), Blackwater (120-82) and a close one over Rain or Shine (89-88) only last Thursday.
“We didn’t lose hope because we just returned to the game and everybody was still adjusting. But we’re so motivated with the trust and confidence given us by Coach Jeffrey Cariaso,” the former Philippine School of Business Administration center told Businessmirror on Friday before heading to the team’s early afternoon practice at the Angeles University Foundation gym.
“We follow coach’s instructions— even the small details— and the results are good,” Manuel said. “I am very inspired to play hard and sacrifice a lot for my family, for the team and management.”
M anuel, 33, draws inspiration from his lovely daughters, 10-year- old Kesha and eight-month old Francine. Like everybody else in the close to 400 PBA entourage, he won’t be home for at the most two-and-a-half months in Alaska makes it all the way to the Finals.
He said they also have to work extra after Kevin Racal left the bubble with a heavy heart on Friday to undergo surgery for his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee. Racal earlier asked Alaska management to stay and cheer the team on.
On Saturday at 6:45 p.m., Alaska will be up against defending champion San Miguel Beer, the very same team trailed the Aces ,0-3, in the Finals only to rally and win the all-filipino crown four years ago.
That experience, Manuel said, really hurt the team.
“But we have moved on and tomorrow [Saturday] is another game day,” he said.
A lot of changes have occurred on the Alaska bench—from the coaching staff to the players— and in Saturday’s matchup, the Aces will be facing an SMB crew hobbled by the injuries of six-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo and most recently, Terrence Romeo.
Fajardo is recovering from a leg fracture while Romeo sustained a dislocated shoulder and has left the bubble.
SMB Coach Leo Austria is wary of Alaska’s streak and at the same time of his team’s struggle early in the conference.
“We have to find ways and try our best [to win] because it’s our pride is at stake here as Philippine Cup champions for many years,” said Austria, who coached the Beermen to five straight all-filipino crowns.
A ustria said he cautioned his players about the Aces “playing really well and are considered a real title contender now.”
The first game at 4 p.m. is a battle of winless teams Terrafirma (0-3 win-loss record) and Northport (0- 4).