Vic Manuel still sidelined for Alaska Aces. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Down 0-2 against Rain or Shine in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Alaska could definitely use the services of Vic Manuel but the veteran forward has been ruled out of Game 3 on Wednesday.
Manuel hasn’t played since suffering a tear in his right calf in Game 2 of the quarterfinals against TNT last month.
“No,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton when asked about Manuel’s status on the eve of Game 3. “He’s definitely not playing tomorrow.”
Compton, though, isn’t fully closing the door on the possibility of Manuel returning in the championship series, but said he won’t force Manuel to suit up unless he gets a go-signal from the doctors.
“We’ll see,” Compton said on whether Manuel can still come back in the finals. “I never force players who are injured. He’s got a whole career [ahead], that’s how he provides for his family. If I did something to force him into a worse injury, it sets him back. It’s selfish and wrong so we don’t do that.”
“So if he can come back and play if the doctors tell me he’s a hundred percent he’ll play. If he can’t and he’s injured and risks a greater injury I would never do that to a player, never,” he added.
If he had his way, Manuel won’t even think twice about being back on the floor despite not being in top form with his team still winless so far in the best-of-seven finals series.
“Gusto ko sana maglaro kaso hindi 100% eh baka mamaya bumigay ulit sa game lalong lumala yung injury,” said Manuel, who still attends practices regularly as a show of support.
Manuel said he is making progress in his recovery, but returning to full health will take more time.
“Nag-i-improve naman kaso hindi kaya maging 100% hanggang series na ‘to mahihirapan,” said Manuel. “Yung injury ko mahirap talaga pagalingin agad, napunit talaga yung muscle. kahapon nag-try ako mag-court may pumitik na naman ngayon sumakit, ngayon sumakit napunit kasi.”
“Yun pa yung strong foot ko kaya mahirap kasi nandoon talaga lahat ng pwersa. Mahirapan talaga.”
Aside from Manuel and JVee Casio (knee), who is out for the conference, Eric Menk, another reliable big man, will also miss Game 3.