When the Adamson University Soaring Falcons made it known that they will see action in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, expectations suddenly flared that they will field in their solid UAAP Season 80 lineup.
But the Akari-backed squad had other things in mind, deciding to field in a roster with newer faces — student-athletes that they will parade in Season 81. And this move of their left behind the graduating players, particularly Robbie Manalang.
For the Filipino-American point guard, however, that is something that he totaly understands, even if it may seem that he was left behind.
“That’s okay, I totally understand that,” he said. “I know Coach Franz wants his team to get his team ready for the UAAP. It’s okay, I totally understand that. I wish them the best.
“I wouldn’t be the same player I am today without them.”
The 24-year-old is now playing for the AMA Online Education Titans. He made his debut Thursday against Che’Lu-San Sebastian, immediately bringing impact as he poured 28 points on four treys.
Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough, as the Titans bowed to the more seasoned Revellers, 79-83.
“We’re still a new team. We just started practicing together. I’m new to the team, too, and I just started practicing with them a week ago,” said Manalang, who also had three rebounds, two assists, and three steals, after the match.
“We’re still trying to learn how to gel with each other. [But] I think we did pretty well.”
He may have yet to deepen his bond with AMA, but he already feels like at home with what he has seen so far. “It’s good. It’s a good group of guys here. They’re playing really hard, so it was easy for me to come in here and play my game.
“Coach Mark [Herrera] puts a lot of trust in me, so I just have to go there and play as hard as I can.”
AMA, who is now 0-3 in the standings, will face Adamson still a month from now. But the five-foot-seven guard admits that he is already excited in facing his Alma Mater, which he had served for a good couple of years.
“I wouldn’t say extra motivation, but of course, I’m a competitor.
“Every time I step onto the court, I wanna play. And I’d love to play against those guys. I did it for two years, every day in practice, so I’m excited,” he said.
