UP’s Manuel passes Civil Engineering board exam, eyes PBA

Jett Manuel. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

After passing the Civil Engineering licensure exam, University of the Philippines cager Jett Manuel can now go back to his first love.

The charismatic swingman will now have a chance to revive his basketball career after going on hiatus following the UAAP season as he seeks to make it to the big league.

“I can finally focus on basketball now. I’m gonna focus heavily on preparing my body and my game for the PBA,” Manuel said.

Though getting drafted in the PBA is one of his goals, Manuel admits that he has yet to plot his next move as he assesses his situation going forward.

“I’m honestly not sure yet. I’m still weighing which will be best moving forward. The ultimate goal is to get drafted in the PBA, but I have some options which I have to look into more,” he said.

Manuel shared he’s not really considering suiting up this upcoming PBA D-League conference after already meeting the requirement with then-Jr. Powerade Tigers, but rather, he’s looking at the possibility of working out with some PBA teams or even training overseas.

Manuel, though, has already set himself up for a bright future after earning his degree and passing the Boards.

“I’ve always set that goal for myself even before starting to play college ball. That’s why I took Civil Engineering in UP in the first place, because I wanted to be a licensed civil engineer and that was one of my dreams,” he said.

“I’m really thankful for what basketball has given to me and of course the UP community, but nothing was ever sure for me in terms of basketball, I felt. What if I don’t get drafted? Or what if I won’t be lucky enough to play long enough in the PBA? Then at least, I have something to fall back on after I hang my jersey.”