New team, but the same winning impact for the ‘Muscle Man’ Vic Manuel in his first two games with the Zamboanga Valientes.
Vic Manuel opened the new chapter of his pro basketball career on a high.
Manuel starred in his first two games with new team Zamboanga Valientes, anchoring the squad to a flawless 2-0 start in the 3rd Gov. Ann K. Hofer Open Invitational Basketball Tournament.
The 37-year-old finished with 11 points in his Valientes debut that ended up in a narrow 95-91 victory over College of St. Benilde.
After opting to not renew his contract with the Terrafirma Dyip, the 37-year-old decided to take his talents elsewhere and found a home with Zamboanga.
The two-time PBA champion was among four Valientes players in double digits led by another ex-PBA player Mike Tolomia, who had 15 markers.
“Kailangan as a veteran, kailangan i-lead natin ‘yung mga young players namin. So ‘yun, kailangan mag-step up din kami kahit veterans na kami. Nagtulong-tulong kami, especially sa defense namin kaya nakuha namin ‘yung panalo ngayon,” Manuel said, who also got a chance to play with former Beermen teammate Kyt Jimenez.
Former UAAP standout and big man Malick Diouf chipped 12 markers in a game where the Valientes weathered a late Benilde comeback from 20 point down.
In their next outing, Manuel and Diouf provided the clutch hits late to tow Zamboanga past the De La Salle University Green Archers, 72-68.
The ‘Muscleman” took charge in the final frame, scoring 10 of his team-high 17 points as the Valientes rode a blistering 10-0 finishing kick in the pocket tournament.
Up next for Zamboanga are the Basilan Starhorse.