In his four Finals treks with the Alaska Aces since joining the franchise in 2014, Vic Manuel has known what it’s like to reach the summit.
The 6-foot-4 forward has yet to win a PBA championship.
The native of Nueva Ecija made it to the big dance back in the 2014-15 Philippine Cup, the 2015 Governors’ Cup, 2015-16 Philippine Cup, and the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup. But the closest he’s come to a crown was in the 2015-16 Philippine Cup. The Aces were up 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, only to blow it and lose to the San Miguel Beermen.
“Sakit na rin,” admitted the six-year pro.
That is why Manuel – nicknamed the Muscle Man due to his hulking physique – is hard-pressed to break through this time, as the Milkmen have made it to the 2018 Governors’ Cup Finals opposite the Magnolia Hotshots.
“Ngayong Finals, gagawin ko talaga yung best ko. 100 percent ko, ibibigay ko talaga kasi gustung-gusto ko makakuha na talaga ng championship,” said the 31-year-old after the Finals’ presser on Tuesday in Sambokojin, Eastwood, Quezon City.
“Zero-four kami ni coach (Alex Compton) eh. So yun talaga yung pinaka nasa mindset ko talaga – makakuha talaga ngayon.”
This fifth Finals trip is a little different, though, as they no longer have Calvin Abueva. Abueva was in all the Aces’ Finals stints in his six years with the team, including their 2013 Commissioner’s Cup title run.
But as much as they miss Abueva’s presence, Manuel believes in his team, that the Aces have enough personnel to fill in the small forward’s absence.
“Wala [na nga si] Calvin pero ang dami namang nag-ii-step up sa’min eh, tulad nila Jeron [Teng], Kevin [Racal]. Talagang lumabas din yung games nila. So kailangan move on na kami. Wala na siya sa team namin,” Manuel said.
“Kailangan yung team namin ngayon tulung-tulong lang talaga eh. Teamwork talaga, yun talaga yung magpapanalo sa’min. ‘Di naman sa isang player lang kami aasa eh – kailangan buong team kami trumabaho talaga.”
