By JONAS TERRADO
Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso said the team is fully committed to sign Vic Manuel to a multi-year extension even after the veteran forward expressed his desire to be traded.
Cariaso met with Manuel Friday night to shed light on his trade demand which surfaced through a Spin.ph story that came out earlier in the day.
Manuel was quoted as saying that he felt dismayed over the Aces’ offer of a one-year deal.
“I met with him last night and he was able to share with me his concerns, plans and desires. He candidly expressed that his contract situation at almost 34 years old, makes him constantly think about his family’s life after his career,” Cariaso said Saturday morning.
“And of course this thought is perfectly understood not only by one but three coaches in our team — Coach Danny (Ildefonso), Coach Tony (De la Cruz) and I, as we are all former players,” added Cariaso.
Though the two parties stopped short of coming to terms, Cariaso said he and Manuel were able to agree on future possibilities while reiterating what transpired in past negotiations, including Alaska’s offer of a two-year contract.
“Alaska management met with Vic’s representative and agent (Danny Espiritu) on Dec. 26. This was the first day of negotiations, five days before he expires. It’s no question that Vic is our number one priority to re-sign,” he said.
“(On) Dec. 31, management followed up on the offer to see where it stood with Vic’s camp. Agent replied back, ‘pinagiisipan pa.’ Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that Alaska did not reach out to him.
“Also, Alaska offered Vic a two-year max deal with a clause for the second year. The reason behind the clause is completely explained to Vic and which like any other clause considers the player’s history with the team.
“Vic and I left the meeting with an understanding on what possibilities the future may hold. I will keep the details private to maintain respect. As always, I reminded him that doing things the right way will always be the best way — that honesty, integrity, and honor must never wither as we discuss plans while understanding each other’s situation,” added Cariaso.
Manuel emerged as one of the PBA’s best big men since joining Alaska through a trade with Air21 in March 2014.
He averaged 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 12 games during the recent PBA Philippine Cup bubble that saw Alaska reach the quarterfinals following a 7-4 record in the eliminations.
Unless things can be straightened out, the bubble may turn out to be the last time fans will see Manual in an Aces uniform.
