Despite getting to meet with Alaska head coach Jeffrey Cariaso, Vic Manuel is still firm with his decision to part ways with the team.
The nine-year veteran, who has been with Alaska since 2014, remains frustrated with his situation with the storied franchise.
“Last night, tumawag sa akin si Vic. Sabi niya, ‘Boss may meeting kami ni Coach Jet.’ Kaming dalawa lang mag-meemeeting. In a matter of two-in-a-half hours, tumawag siya sa akin. Sabi ko, ‘Congrats! Kelan tayo papirma. Sabi niya, ‘Anong pipirma? Sabi ko, ayaw ko ng maglaro sa Alaska at mag-secure na kayo ng trade’,” shared Manuel’s manager Danny Espiritu during an episode of The Chasedown.
“Ayoko na talaga maglaro sa Alaska. Wala na talaga.”
Cariaso and Manuel had a one-on-one meeting Friday evening as the two camps tried to sort things out.
“He candidly expressed that his contract situation at almost 34 years old, makes him constantly think about his family’s life after his career,” said Cariaso.
“And of course, this thought is perfectly understood not only by one but three coaches in our team—Coach Danny [Ildefonso], Coach Tony [Dela Cruz] and I, as we are all former players.”
The contract offered to Manuel, a former Gilas player and 2018 winner of both Mr. Quality Minutes and Co-Order of Merit, was a two-year max deal with the second year being a team option.
But in the eyes of Manuel’s camp, it’s basically a one-year deal.
According to Cariaso, that was the best deal they can offer Manuel based on his age and “history.”
“The reason behind the clause is completely explained to Vic and which like any other clause considers player’s history with the team,” said Cariaso.
Early 2020, Manuel was caught playing in a ‘ligang labas’ game with good pal Calvin Abueva.
Manuel was also believed to be out-of-shape entering the PBA Bubble late last year.
