MANILA – Former University of the East Red Warriors guard Philip Manalang is keeping his fingers crossed ahead of the talent rich 2021 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft to be held virtually on March 14.
The 5-foot-10 guard hopes that any of the 12 PBA teams would give him the chance to showcase his potential.
“Naisip ko rin na baka mahirapan ako kasi ang daming pumasok para magpa-draft. Tapos puro kilala yung mga nagpa-draft ngayon, may mga Fil-Ams, may mga locals, naipon eh. Pero siyempre, naniniwala pa rin ako sa sarili ko at parati pa rin akong nagpi-pray,” Manalang said who is being managed by Phenom Sports Management of Jax Chua.
Manalang believes that players like him can still crack a roster spot even if basketball has evolved through the years with big players flexible enough to play multiple positions.
“Yung mga trainer ko, sinasabihan nila ako na dagdagan ko yung katawan ko kasi medyo malalaki yung makakalaban ko sa PBA,” said Manalang. “Kaya sinamantala namin yung pandemic, lagi kaming nagwo-work out.”
The 23-year-old Manalang spent five seasons with the Red Warriors in UAAP. In his final year, he averaged 6.58 points, 3.25 rebounds, and 3.42 assists per game in 12 games played.
Immediately after his final game for the Red Warriors, Manalang suited up for the Basilan Steel in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. In his 18 games with the team, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.6 assists and 1.6 rebounds.
“Philip has played for me sa Basilan Steel and I can say that he is a very talented player. He is also PBA ready,” said Chua, who also handles the career of Alaska Aces on loan player Allyn Bulanadi./PN
