MANILA, Philippines — If he could have his way, disgruntled Alaska big man Vic Manuel would choose among Phoenix, NLEX and San Miguel as his next team.
Veteran agent Danny Espiritu said Manuel is intent on leaving the Aces. When asked about his most preferred destination, Manuel named the three squads.
“Sabi niya, pwede ako sa Phoenix kasi makakasama ko si Calvin (He told me he’s okay with Phoenix because he’ll be joining Calvin Abueva),” Espiritu said during yesterday’s The Chasedown sports program on OnePH.
“Pwede rin ako sa NLEX kasi type ko si coach. Pwede rin ako sa San Miguel, kaibigan ko si Arwind. O kahit na saan pwede ako. Iyun ang sinabi niya (He’s fine with NLEX because he likes the style of coach Yeng Guiao, same with San Miguel with his friend Arwind Santos. Or any other team),” added Espiritu.
Manuel’s contract with Alaska expired last Dec. 31, and he rejected the team’s last offer for a two-year deal with a clause for the second year.
He apparently felt slighted when the Aces didn’t grant his earlier request for a contract renewal when his original contract lapsed last Aug. 31. Instead, Alaska gave him an extension up to Dec. 31, as mandated by the PBA during the pandemic-hit season.
“Ayoko na talaga maglaro sa Alaska (I no longer want to play for Alaska),” the player agent quoted the power forward nicknamed “The Muscleman” as saying.
When news of Manuel’s trade demand broke out, Alaska’s rivals wasted little time inquiring about Manuel.
Espiritu reported that Meralco, Magnolia, NLEX and Phoenix were among the first ones to express interest and made initial calls to Alaska management. But he expressed doubt Meralco and NLEX will give up Raymond Almazan and Kiefer Ravena, respectively, in exchange for Manuel.
Aces coach Jeff Cariaso, meanwhile, met with Manuel Friday night to assure that he is “our No. 1 priority to re-sign” and explain the reasons behind the terms they’re offering.
“Vic and I left the meeting with an understanding on what possibilities the future may hold. I will keep the details private to maintain respect,” said Cariaso.
According to Espiritu, Manuel reported that he reiterated his wish to be traded in that one-on-one meeting with Cariaso.
“Sabi niya kay coach, ‘ayoko na maglaro sa Alaska, tulungan ninyo ako maka-secure ng trade’ (He asked coach Jeff to help him get traded because he doesn’t want to play for Alaska anymore),” said Espiritu.
Alaska team governor Dickie Bachmann earlier said the Aces, as much as possible, would want to keep Manuel.
But he maintained that if the player is firm on leaving, they would be willing to part ways if his agent can work for a “win-win” trade deal.
Espiritu, however, stressed that it’s Alaska’s responsibility, and not his, to negotiate with other teams regarding a trade.
Manuel has emerged as a frontline force for Alaska, his team since 2014. He averaged 15.9 points, six rebounds and 2.1 assists in the recent Philippine Cup bubble.