Jett Manuel raring to prove worth as member of Chooks Pilipinas

 MANILA, Philippines — Jett Manuel wanted to prove that he still is one of the top prospects to come out of the amateur side.

Now, he’s getting the opportunity to do just that. And he wants to make it clear that he's doing it for himself.

“That I belong,” he said of his agenda. “I’ve always thought that I can. Proving to people is not really my thing, its just that I'm focusing on the things I've worked on myself.”

The former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon is one of the cagers comprising the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas roster that will be competing in the FIBA Asia Cup Championships in China this weekend.

“I’ve always thought I’ve had the potential, the talent to play in the next level. I’ve worked hard for it,” Manuel continued. “(This is) something I don’t want to let go.”

Manuel will be taking the backseat behind names like Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng and Raymar Jose, who are all expected — but are yet to declare their intention — to enter the upcoming PBA draft.

Although that, too, is the least of his concerns.

“They're always going to be the bigger names,” Manuel said. “I accept that. I'm not comparing myself to them. Like I said, I've always thought I’ve always had the talent and potential to play at this level.”

Right now, the certified engineer-athlete’s only focus is the task at hand — and that is to serve the flag and country and become a better cager.

“With my basketball career, I just have to keep moving up,” the former UP skipper said of plans to take the pro plunge. "I haven’t applied yet. It’s a big career decision.”"It’s only logical that the next step is to go professional — or to see what (the national team) program has to offer.

“I guess I can say that I'm playing as Jett Manuel,” he added. “This has always been a dream of mine.”