Manuel enjoying best PBA run

Manuel Vic Manuel is having the best stretch in his five-year Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) career.

And there’s no denying former pro Danny lldefonso had a hand again in turning another big man into a star, like he did with four-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel.

Hampered with injuries since drafted as the ninth overall pick in 2012, the 6’4 Manuel finally broke out in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup with his off-the-charts average.

“It’s because of coach Danny. He makes sure I learn a lot during practice sessions,” said the 30 year old Manuel who won six Best Player of the Game honors in Alaska’s seven wins so far, in honoring his two-time Most Valuable Player mentor.

A member of the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players, Ildefonso started guiding Manuel just last year before the start of the 2017-2018 PBA Season when he joined the Aces as head coach Alex Compton’s deputy.

A conference later, Manuel is now registering a career-best 24.50 points and 6.13 rebounds on 60 percent shooting in just 21 minutes of action for the pace-setting Aces.

“Before and after each practice, coach Danny mans me. He makes me take extra shots. These are the results of those sessions,” Manuel related to the Tribune.

The eight-time PBA champion Ildefonso it was the fruits of Manuel’s labor.

“He cooperates. He listens well. He trains harder,” Ildefonso said of his ward.

Manuel is slowly becoming Alaska’s main man and possibly one of this conference’s top Best Player of the Conference candidates.

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