Vic Manuel out to show he deserves national team spot

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Vic Manuel couldn’t help but feel the pressure of proving he deserves to be in the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the Southeast Asian Games slated here later this year.

“I need to show that I deserve [the chance],” Manuel said in Filipino shortly after Alaska lost to San Miguel Beer in Laguna.

Manuel was head coach Tim Cone’s personal pick in the 15-man pool that was revealed during a joint SBP-PBA presser at the PBA office last Thursday.

Manuel and Chris Ross are the only first-timers in the bunch who went to practice for the first time Monday night at Meralco Gym in Ortigas.

“I’m nervous,” he admitted. “It’s my first time (to be part of the national pool) after all.”

“I’m thankful that coach Tim called me up. I’m at a loss for words,” he said. “I really wasn’t expecting it. I guess I just have to repay his trust. I have to show him and the country my 100 percent.”