Jett Manuel was picked 12th by Ginebra in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Jett Manuel’s 2017 couldn’t get any better.
After passing the Board Exams for engineers and suiting up for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas in the 2017 Fiba Asia Champions Cup, the blessings continue to pour in for the University of the Philippines standout as Barangay Ginebra picked him 12th in the first round of the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.
With the Gin Kings faithful cheering his name as he stepped to the stage, Manuel couldn’t stop himself from smiling as he looked back on the amazing year that was.
“I’m just thankful for this opportunity that they are giving me and I promise that I won’t disappoint them,” he said.
Manuel, however, knows that being drafted is one thing and staying in the league is another.
And this early, he is looking forward to showing his wares and proving himself as he joins the back-to-back Governors’ Cup champions.
“Being part of the most storied franchise in the league is a huge blessing. Joining any team has its own pressure, but its magnified in Ginebra because of the fanbase and the history of the team. As I approach everything else, I take it as a challenge. As a player, I’m just excited to live up to the expectations that comes with it,” he said.
More than anything, what excites the 6-foot-2 guard is the chance to learn from two of the brightest basketball minds in the country today in coach Tim Cone and starting point guard LA Tenorio.
“Coach Tim Cone is one of the best basketball minds in the country. I’m just excited to learn under him because I’m still a student of the game. I just want to learn, learn, and learn, and who better to learn from than coach Tim?” he said.
“I’m also really excited to play with LA. I have a goal which is to be a combo guard, and who better that from than one of the best in this generation to play in that position.”