Manuel, Ross savor Gilas stint

I was really excited because this is my first time playing for the national team.

CHRIS Ross enjoys playing for Gilas Pilipinas. DAVID JOHN CUBANGBANG

Vic Manuel and Chris Ross finally made their Southeast Asian Games debuts when they helped Gilas Pilipinas in its 110-58 win over Singapore in the men’s basketball competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games late Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Manuel scored 14 points and four rebounds while Ross was held scoreless, but still dished out 10 assists and grabbed five rebounds for the Nationals, who went all out in thrashing the hapless Singaporeans.

The 32-year-old Alaska Aces forward admitted that he was really excited to finally play for the glory of the country.

“I was really excited because this is my first time playing for the national and every time coach Tim (Cone) calls up my name I just get up and ready to play and just give 100 percent.”

Cone once showed his appreciation to Manuel after showing how dominant he can be in the Southeast Asian level.

“Well, he is the ‘Muscle Man’ and he displayed that tonight. He’s not just a banger. He can get it inside and create space for himself. He can also step out and has that feathery shot from the outside. He’s versatile. He can guard other position,” he said.

“I think he’ll be good at any level, but I also think he’ll be extra good in this level. Obviously he’s a superstar in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) in his own right, but in this level, I think we can use his versatility and he showed that tonight.”

Ross, meanwhile, stated that he remains thankful to be called up right away as it enabled him to shake off the jitters.

“It was an amazing experience. I’m grateful for coach Tim to put me in the first five to get those jitters out of the way.” he said.

“If he sent me in the second wave that’s coming on, I would’ve been sitting in the bench nervous. But coach Tim put me in the first five and I was able to get those jitters out of the way.”

The 34-year-old playmaker admitted that he was nervous during their friendly match against Alab Pilipinas last month.

But after experiencing his first game at the SEA Games stage Ross admitted that it was a whole different level.

“This is a very different atmosphere because there is so many people watching. The Alab game were just people in the crowd, but on this one there are so many people watching not only in the arena but all around the world.”

“The nerves were obviously there, but once the ball went up it was good.”