Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Vic Manuel and Chris Banchero spent five years as Alaska teammates but that long partnership came to an end when the Fil-Italian guard was traded to Magnolia Sunday.
The trade did tug at Manuel’s heartstrings despite being fully aware that playing in the pros is a business and seeing teammates come and go is just part of it.
“We all know that Chris and I spent a lot of time together in Alaska, almost five years, so what happened was actually kind of sad,” said Manuel in Filipino after the Aces’ 106-99 win over NorthPort in the Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Manuel was drafted by the Aces in 2012 as the ninth overall pick before Banchero joined him two years later as the fifth selection.
The two never won a title together although they helped lead Alaska to three finals appearances.
“We have to move on, this is a business,” said Manuel, who had 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Aces.
In exchange for Banchero, the Aces received Robbie Herndon and Rodney Brondial.
None are of the same position as Banchero and Manuel said it’s important for him to immediately teach his new teammates the system Alaska employs as the Aces are desperate to improve from their 3-6 record to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“We have to teach them the plays we have, the defensive schemes and all that,” said Manuel. “We just have to guide them so they can get our system.”