Social media buzzed on Saturday when Titing Manalili shared on his Instagram stories that he was at De La Salle University.
But it wasn’t because he was transferring from Letran to La Salle.
The Knights were having a tune-up match against the Green Archers.
(C) Titing Manalili’s Instagram story
Still, it sparked the question: should Manalili move to the brighter lights of the UAAP?
The 6-foot floor general from Cebu plans to finish his sophomore year with Letran before considering his next move.
According to multiple UAAP coaches, however, that might already be too late — because of his age.
Manalili will turn 22 on April 13.
By comparison, his peer Mark Gojo Cruz is entering his junior year with Perpetual Help but will only turn 22 in August. Meanwhile, Sean Salvador will just be 21 this September when he starts his sophomore year at JRU.
If Manalili decides to transfer to a UAAP school after this season, he will be 23. By the time he suits up, he would be 24—and eligible to play only one season.
For context, Janti Miller, who transferred from San Beda to La Salle, just turned 22 when he made the move, making him eligible to play two more seasons after sitting out one year.
“Now or never,” said UAAP coaches, noting that having Manalili for only one year will only be good for the short term.
Still, Manalili is a one-of-a-kind point guard.
In his first NCAA season, he averaged 13.89 points, 4.74 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 2.21 steals, earning Rookie and Freshman of the Year honors while making the Mythical Team.
With what he’s shown so far, even a one-year stint would make Manalili a valuable addition for any UAAP school.
