NCAA: Rookie Manalili shines on big stage as Letran nears finals

Letran rookie Jonathan Manalili during a game against Perpetual Help in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Final Four.–NCAA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The pressure was on for Jonathan Manalili in his first-ever NCAA game at the historic Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.

Much like his other conquests, though, Manalili completed his mission with flying colors.

READ: NCAA: Letran aims to contain Perpetual’s top threats in semis

Manalili delivered the goods for Letran in Game 1 of the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball semifinals.

“There was definitely pressure,” Manalili said in Filipino following their 77-73 win over Perpetual Help.

“This is college. The crowd got bigger and the venue is here in Araneta. This is the first time I’ve played here. I’m happy.”

The star rookie seemed impervious to it with an all-around display that pushed the Knights closer to their first NCAA Finals appearance since 2022.

Manalili collected 15 points, five rebounds, eight assists and six steals in 34 minutes.

READ: NCAA Season 101: Letran ends Perpetual Help’s unbeaten streak

He and fellow guard Jimboy Estrada, who also dropped 15 points, teamed up to lead Letran to its fifth consecutive victory.

Playing at the mecca of Philippine basketball made Manalili sentimental, recalling his humble beginnings when he used to serve as a waterboy for schools in Cebu just so he could watch and learn the game further.

“I can’t even imagine that this amount of people would see what I’ve been doing.”

“I’ll buy water [for teams] and persevere by just watching their games and see what I could get from them.”

Manalili and the Knights look to close out the Altas on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena for a berth in the championship round.