Blackwater’s Mangahas gets invite from Meralco coach

Allan Mangahas drives past a defender. PBA Photo/Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Don’t expect for Allan Mangahas’ banner conference in the PBA D-League to just go unnoticed.

He might not have gotten the MVP citation, but Mangahas got a far more sweeter deal in the end – a championship trophy, and a small yet significant opportunity to go up to the pros.

Shortly after Blackwater’s sweep of NLEX in the finals of the 2013 Foundation Cup last Tuesday, the lanky guard got an invite to work out with the Meralco Bolts by their head coach Ryan Gregorio.

“He was there in the game, I was called by [my agent] boss Danny [Espiritu] and we talked to coach Ryan, he said he was inviting me,” Mangahas told INQUIRER.net. in Filipino.

While it’s just a mere first step and doesn’t guarantee his entry to the squad, it’s a chance for Mangahas to show he has what it takes to compete in the PBA after a snub in last year’s Rookie Draft.

“I’ll accept whatever happens,” said the lanky Mangahas. “I hope I could bulk up though.”

But with the new season of the PBA and the D-League still months away, Mangahas — a third year Psychology student in Mapua — said he’ll focus on his studies first.

“I’ll just rest first then study. I need to lessen my units,” Mangahas said with a laugh.