By: Joaquin Cortez
Titing Manalili did not have the ideal start to his Season 102 campaign, but the Colegio de San Juan de Letran guard believes the lessons he picked up from competing in the 45th William Jones Cup with Strong Group could prove valuable as the Knights begin their chase for the NCAA crown.
In his season opener against the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Manalili battled foul trouble after picking up three fouls in the first half before committing his fourth early in the third quarter.
Still, the Cebuano guard made his presence felt when it mattered most, delivering timely passes and defensive stops down the stretch as Letran defeated Perpetual, 84-77, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
However, as one of Letran’s veterans, Manalili knew he fell short of his own standards.
“Kulang. Parang may humila lang sa akin,” Manalili, who had 12 points and eight assists, said after the game.
“Bawi ako next game. Balikan ko sa taping kung ano yung naging problema.”
In the offseason, Manalili was named to the Strong Group’s 12-man roster for the 45th William Jones Cup, where he shared the court with Boban Marjanovic, Remy Martin, Dave Ildefonso, Allen Liwag, and Angelo Kouame under current De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde coach Charles Tiu.
Manalili also helped Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas dismantle Japan, 107-86, scoring nine points before the Filipinos fell short of advancing to the knockout round last August.
Playing alongside more experienced teammates while facing tougher international competition gave Manalili valuable lessons in physicality and decision-making, which he hopes to bring to Letran’s title campaign.
“Marami akong nakukuha doon sa mga mas older sa akin, mas may experience sa basketball, mga bigger competition … siguro yung physicality and yung decision-making sa court rin,” Manalili said.
Those lessons could prove crucial for Manalili as the Knights look to make another run at the championship after falling short in last season’s Finals.
Last year, Letran reached the Season 101 title series after sweeping Perpetual in the semifinals, only to see its championship bid end against eventual champion and archrival San Beda University.
Now, with another title opportunity ahead, Manalili hopes his offseason experience will better equip him for the physicality and pressure of another long NCAA campaign.
“Siyempre, yun naman yung goal ng lahat. Madali namang sabihin pero yun, trabaho kami, focus kami,” he said.
“One game at a time.”
Letran will look to stay undefeated when it faces San Sebastian College on Friday at the FilOil Centre at 5 p.m.
