Vic Manuel continues PBA title quest at Phoenix

FILE — New Phoenix big man Vic Manuel. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines — Expect to see the same grit and determination from Vic Manuel as the next chapter of his career unfolds.

Manuel now has a new home at Phoenix, where he hopes to finally win a title, after being traded by Alaska following a dragging standoff.

Despite demanding a trade, Manuel made sure to express his gratitude to the Aces, who acquired the bruiser in 2014 and turned him into one of the best big men in the league.

“My HOME! My FAMILY for almost 7 years! Thank you @alaska_aces! Wish you a good luck and all the best! Same GOAL! New JOURNEY!” Manuel wrote on Instagram.

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The 33-year-old Manuel helped Alaska reach the finals several times but the Aces just couldn’t get over the hump.

In his last season with Alaska, Manuel averaged 15.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists in the Philippine Cup bubble where the Aces finished with a 7-4 record in the elimination round before losing to eventual finalist TNT in the quarterfinals.

With Manuel, a legitimate low post threat, in tow, Phoenix boasts a formidable frontline that also features the steadily-improving Jason Perkins and the sweet-shooting Justin Chua, who is coming off a breakout season.

Apart from landing Manuel, the Fuel Masters also recently acquired heady playmaker Chris Banchero and a pair of picks in the talent-laden Rookie Draft next month.