The class of 2018 is as guard-heavy as one can get.
There’s expected top three picks Robert Bolick, CJ Perez, and Bobby Ray Parks – all of whom have proven that they are generational talents.
Then there’s the next tier that includes Paul Desiderio, Trevis Jackson, and J-jay Alejandro – guards who are proven scorers.
With this, there are guards who are trying to prove that they belong. Guards like JP Calvo, CJ Isit, and former Adamson Soaring Falcon Robbie Manalang.
In college, the 5-foot-7 floor general proved he was a willing passer, averaging 9.5 points and 2.7 assists per game, leading Adamson to back-to-back Final Four appearances.
But he showed another facet to his game in the PBA D-League.
“I experienced a lot of personal growth as a player. In the UAAP, it’s like a team-based game. In the D-League, you have to show what you’ve got. Of course, you have to play with your team, but you also have to showcase your talent too. That’s something I’m proud of,” shared the California-born cager.
“I think I did well in the D-League.”
During the Foundation Cup, the Marinerong Pilipino Skipper averaged 13.9 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game. What he showed in the second league was very different compared to what he did in college.
“I became a better leader, you know?
“Because in the D-League, you’re only with your teammates for two months, so you have to be able to lead in such a short amount of time. I also changed my body. I slimmed down – lost some weight,” he added.
If there’s one thing he thinks that makes him stand out from the field, Manalang thinks it is his shooting.
“I think my shooting ability off-the-dribble. I’ve been able to showcase that during the D-League. I’m also a better defender than what people think of.”
