Ginebra rookie Jett Manuel out to prove he’s a worthy investment

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra rookie Jett Manuel is thankful for the chance to play for the most popular PBA franchise. But he wants more.

And he knows what it takes to get more.

“I’m thankful of the opportunity and the trust that the management and boss Alfrancis Chua gave me,” Manuel said. “But at the same time, you know, [there’s more] motivation for me.  I feel like I want to prove that maybe I deserve a long-term investment.”

The rookie out of University of the Philippines is also aware that convincing Ginebra that he is worth their time and resources will be a tall order, as the Gin Kings are easily the league’s crowd darlings.

“I guess any player naman, if they’re going to Ginebra, they’ll feel a bit of pressure because of the amount of support that they have,” the 12th overall pick shared.

“Especially (with me) being drafted as a rookie. At the same time, my mentality is to just disregard pressure and focus on whatever coach Tim, the staff and the players need from me,” he continued.

“It’s different — a lot —from college, from Gilas and stuff,” Manuel said of becoming a pro. “Being part of a stable organization, going to practices and seeing how the vets do it? Sina Mark (Caguioa), sina Sol (Mercado), LA (Tenorio)? It’s more of me trying to adjust as fast as I can.”

As if that playing for a coach like Tim Cone, and trying to crack a loaded backcourt rotation is not a task steep enough, Manuel will also try to fill the void — in a way — left by Jayjay Helterbrand, who called it a career a month ago.

“I’m never gonna take away the spot of Jayjay especially in this community,” Manuel said, matter-of-factly. “It’s like there’s an opportunity lang for me to prove that I deserve to be in this league — that I deserve to play whatever they may offer me, or whatever position they want me to be in.”

“So it’s more life, for me, showing that I deserve to be here,” he noted.

“I just want to be a good pro,” Manuel declared.

Manuel and the Gin Kings will get to know how deep their partnership can go when the league kicks off on December 17.  Ginebra opens the season on Christmas Day at the Philippine Arena.