Kiefer, Manuel honor Kobe; Wright sports Nadal look

Inside the bubble

CLARK, Philippines — NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena and Alaska Milk’s Vic Manuel are both Kobe Bryant fans, switching to jersey No. 24 to honor the late NBA star.

And both being a Laker fan, too, Ravena and Manuel were proud and happy the Lakers beat the Miami Heat for the NBA crown.

“I’m happy. As you see, I switched to No. 24 because of Kobe and I’m planning to use it for good,” said Manuel, who previously sported No. 4 and No. 87 jerseys for the Aces.

Done cheering for their favorite team in the NBA finals, Ravena and Manuel now look forward to working for their own success in the PBA restart.

“I’m happy as a fan the Lakers won the championship. Now, we have to focus on our job in the PBA. I have to definitely play better to best represent the number more than anything else,” said Ravena, who has worn No. 15 in his entire career before the switch.

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Phoenix ace Matthew Wright is among many players sporting a new look inside the bubble.

With a look a la Rafael Nadal, Wright played like a champion in his bubble debut, erupting for 36 points and six assists to anchor Phoenix’s big 116-98 win over Meralco.

“It’s a 2020 quarantine haircut. My teammates call me Rafa,” said Wright of his hairstyle.

The Phoenix top gun said his long hair is a result of the long quarantine, and he decided to bring it over here.

His new hairdo seemed to weave magic as he fulfilled his pre-game promise of gifting coach Topex Robinson a win in his debut.

Wright hopes to carry the momentum as they play the NorthPort Batang Pier today.

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TNT Tropang Giga may be off to a strong 2-0 start but coach Bong Ravena can’t help but feel emotional with the looming departure of son Thirdy for Japan.

“I’m happy and sad. I’m happy that he’s finally bound for Japan to play there but at the same time, he will now be away from us especially with me and Kiefer here in Clark,” said the Ravena patriarch. “Fortunately, there’s internet so we can bid him goodbye.”

Bong and NLEX guard Kiefer are staying in the PBA bubble here for the next two months while Thirdy is to begin his stint in the Japan B. League as the first Filipino import.

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TNT’s Poy Erram, NLEX’s JR Quiñahan and Alaska’s Rodney Brondial were the first players who drew sanctions in the bubble play.

Erram and Quiñahan incurred fines following flagrant infractions and ejections right in the first outing of their respective teams.

Brondial also drew fine for a flagrant foul penalty one.