Alaska Aces’ Vic Manuel. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Missing a big chunk of last year due to a calf injury, Vic Manuel is aching to return to the hardcourt this season.
“Tingin ko naman, 100-percent na ako bago mag-opening,” he said. “Sobrang gustong gusto ko na maglaro. Excited na ako ngayong season.”
The hardworking forward has been tireless on his comeback trail as he eyes to provide support to Calvin Abueva once again this 2017 Philippine Cup.
“Talagang tinutukan ng mga trainors namin yung injury ko eh. Nakukuha ko na ulit yung timing ko at nakakasabay na ako sa team kaya tingin ko, ready na ako ulit,” he said.
Manuel is also pressuring himself to return to form as he eyes to regain, match, and even surpass the aggressiveness he has shown on the court, especially on the defensive end, to help Alaska finally erase the heartbreaks of the past.
“Kailangan mas maging agresibo kami sa depensa namin kasi yun ang lagi naming pina-practice. Goal namin makapasok sa playoffs hanggang sa makarating kami ulit sa Finals eh,” he said.
And his coach Alex Compton truly hopes Manuel’s personal expectations will be met for the greater good of the Aces.
“It’s going to be hard to top his performance in the last all-Filipino, but we hope to get Vic back to full strength,” he said.
“Hopefully in the middle of the conference, he’s going to be at the very top of his game.”