Manalang Keeps His Fingers Crossed Ahead of PBA Draft

Former University of the East Red Warriors guard Philip Manalang is keeping his fingers crossed ahead of the talent rich 2021 PBA Rookie Draft to be held virtually on March 14.

The 5-foot-10 guard, whose name is barely mentioned in the list of potential draftees, hopes that he would be given the opportunity by any of the 12 PBA teams to showcase his potential.

“Naisip ko rin na baka mahirapan ako kasi ang daming pumasok para magpa-draft. Tapos puro kilala yung mga nagpa-draft ngayon, may mga Fil-Ams, may mga locals, naipon eh,” the 5-foot-10 guard told PBA.ph.

“Yung mga hindi nagpa-draft last season, ngayon sila nagpa-draft. Pero siyempre, naniniwala pa rin ako sa sarili ko at parati pa rin akong nagpi-pray,” added Manalang, who is being managed by Phenom Sports Management of Jax Chua.

Manalang also believes players like him can still crack a roster spot even if basketball has evolved through the years with big players flexible enough to play multiple positions.

“Yung mga trainer ko, sinasabihan nila ako na dagdagan ko yung katawan ko kasi medyo malalaki yung makakalaban ko sa PBA,” said Manalang. “Kaya sinamantala namin yung pandemic, lagi kaming nagwo-work out. Hindi naman kami tumigil.”

The 23-year-old Manalang spent five seasons with the Red Warriors in UAAP. In his final year, he averaged 6.58 points, 3.25 rebounds, and 3.42 assists per game in 12 games played.

Immediately after his final game for the Red Warriors, Manalang suited up for Basilan in the MPBL. In his 18 games with the team, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 rebounds.

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Source: Fast Break