After making a trade request late last week to his mother team Alaska Aces, veteran PBA forward Vic Manuel has a short list of teams as his preferred destination for the coming season.
Danny Espiritu, a veteran agent who represents Manuel, said that the eight-year player informed him of the teams and hopes that Alaska would be able to find a way to complete a deal.
“Phoenix Fuel because best friend sila ni Calvin Abueva,” said Espiritu – who has been in the player-agent business since the late 80s – in the Saturday sports show The Chasedown on One PH over Cignal TV.
Abueva and Manuel played for several seasons together when “The Beast” was still with Alaska.
The 6’4” Manuel joined the Aces following a trade with the now-defunct Air21 in the 2013-14 season and “The Muscleman” immediately formed a solid tandem with Abueva.
That partnership ended when Alaska dealt Abueva to the Fuel Masters in the 2017-18 season.
The two maintained a close relationship particularly during the PBA restart at the bubble in Pampanga. Manuel averaged almost 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists in the last Philippine Cup.
Reports came out Friday regarding the trade request of Manuel and Espiritu said there is no turning back on that wish.
Aside from Phoenix Fuel, Espiritu said that Manuel mentioned NLEX as his preferred destination because of Manuel’s desire to play for coach Yeng Guiao and San Miguel Beer because of Manuel’s close ties with one-time PBA MVP Arwind Santos.
Espiritu said that it is up to Alaska to look for a trade partner and that he understands that the Aces’ option is not limited to the three mentioned teams.
“Nasa kanila kung saan sila makakakuha ng may papayag na kapalit for Vic. Kung sabihin nilang sa ganitong team, malalaman na lang namin na sa ganung team, or ditong team napunta,” said Espiritu. (Waylon Galvez)
