Jett Manuel. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson
It’s easy to regard Jett Manuel as someone who can come in and fill up the hole left by the retirement of Jayjay Helterbrand.
But the former UP stud would be the first to say that no one, not even him, could replace someone like the Ginebra legend.
“I’m never gonna take away the spot of Jayjay especially for this community,” he said. “I see it more as an opportunity for me to prove that I deserve to be in this league. That I deserve to play whatever they offer me, or whatever position they want me to be in.”
The priority of Manuel is meshing with this new squad, especially with the Gin Kings having one of the deepest guard rotations in the league with LA Tenorio, Sol Mercado, Scottie Thompson, and Mark Caguioa still in the fray.
“Coming in, it’s obvious that anyone will feel a bit of a pressure knowing that you have to produce and help the team. Anyone who is going to Ginebra will feel a little bit of pressure because of the amount of support that they have,” said the 12th pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.
“But my focus is doing everything I can to go out and try to do more, to contribute and do what the coaching staff is asking from me.”
Manuel is just excited to suit up in a Gin Kings jersey and represent the legions of their fans this upcoming 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.
“I feel like I’m ready physically. Mentally, it’s just a little more of adjustments. But I’ve prepared for this and I feel like I’ve really prepared well. I really feel like I’m ready,” he said.