After his career-high 27 points last Sunday against the Blackwater Elite, Vic Manuel continues to show how valuable he is in the Alaska Aces’ offense on Friday, just as he had promised.
The 30-year-old power forward churned out 26 points on an excellent 70 percent shooting from the floor, spearheading the Aces’ whitewashing of the Columbian Dyip, 134-103.
“Siguro swerte lang din,” said Manuel of his performance. “Nakakatakbo, easy baskets din ang lay-ups ko kanina.
“May mga option din naman, pero kailangan nakaka-score din ako.”
Even Alaska head coach Alex Compton sung praises once again for Manuel, believing that it is the latter’s shape that has been working wonders in his games as of late.
“He’s such an efficient scorer,” Compton lauded. “And I think the biggest thing with Vic is he’s really in good shape right now.
“And that really matters and affects any player’s game.”
Manuel is definitely in his best shape right now, far from where he was last season. He had been hobbled by series of injuries, which greatly limited his playing time with the Aces.
Now, Manuel has been a consistent piece for Alaska this early in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup. Across three games, the six-year pro is averaging 21.6 points and 4.0 rebounds.
And for the former D-League Most Valuable Player, it’s his desire to help Alaska and to bounce back that has led to these commendable showings of his.
“Ready lang ako maglaro kasi gustong-gusto ko makatulong,” the 6-foot-4 Manuel said.
“Galing ako sa injury last season, talagang gusto ko maglaro ngayon kaya nagiging maganda resulta.”
