Vic Manuel still sidelined for Alaska Aces. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Vic Manuel is back—well, not quite.
After sitting in the sidelines for the most part during the playoff stages of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the Muscle Man is on the right track to return to the parqueted floor.
Manuel had 19 points in Alaska’s 106-92 loss to Meralco in a tune-up game Wednesday at Gatorade Hoops Center.
“Gusto ko lang talagang makabalik sa game, makalaro, at makatulong sa team,” said Manuel, who suffered a tear in his right calf in Game 2 of their quarterfinals series against Talk N’ Text.
Alaska managed to enter the Finals without Manuel but Rain or Shine took the series and title in six games.
Manuel admitted he’s still not fully recovered from his injury, and all that waiting has left him itching to get back.
“Sobrang gigil ko talaga, gustung gusto ko na maglaro noon [nung Finals], kaya lang hindi puwede,” said Manuel. “Binubuhos ko na lang gigil ko sa practice para pagdating ng conference, ayun nasa timing na ako.”
Helping Manuel in his road to recovery is import LaDontae Henton who’s been filling in the other forward position while Calvin Abueva is with Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Henton, however, sprained his right ankle in the tune-up game but the forward out of Providence will return to action in a week’s time.
“Wala kaming problema, okay siya sa sistema namin,” said Manuel who sees big things once Abueva returns to the team to form their forward trio together with Henton. “Magaling naman siya tapos mapagpasensiya, tumatakbo rin, magandang tandem yun pag sabay sabay kami nila Calvin.”