It’s been seven months since the public last saw Jett Manuel. But on Monday night, the former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon was on hand during Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas’ first practice at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
Surprisingly, Manuel was in tiptop shape.
“I’m good. I’ve been training with Coach Joe [Ward] and I practice sometimes with PBA teams,” shared the 24-year-old, who did not play during the recently-concluded season of the PBA D-League.
“Conditioning-wise, I think I’m in the best shape I’ve been in, even compared to college.”
But even if he has been out of the limelight, coach Chot Reyes and the brass of Chooks-to-Go decided to call up Manuel to join Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas for the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup. And he is honored to be part of this select group.
“It’s really a great opportunity for me. This is just the right direction for me,” said Manuel, who passed the engineering board exams last May.
“I’m looking forward to this (tournament) and this could hopefully help me entering the draft.”
Manuel is still not satisfied with just making this team, however, saying that his ultimate goal is to be part of the next batch of Gilas cadets.
“All the other players went through this. Just being considered is already an accomplishment but I’m not gonna stop there,” shared Manuel.
“I want to be part of the program. I’ve been preparing for this since college. I’ve been wanting this opportunity and it’s just a blessing that I’m here now.”
And little by little, Jett Manuel is starting to get there.
