A cager from Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) is set to deliver his killer blows in the national court after he committed to play for the Adamson University Soaring Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball league.
Cedrick Manzano said the opportunity to play for the Falcons is a dream come true, especially that this is a step for him to become a Philippine Basketball Association player.
“I am very much thankful that I will be part of Adamson. As a rookie, I will give my 110 percent in practices and even in games. I will do my part to help the team achieve our goal. I want to show to Adamson that they did not commit a mistake in giving me a chance,” he added.
Before doning the Falcon’s jersey, the 18-year-old Manzano was a former Palarong Pambansa volleyball player when he was in Grade 5 before switching to basketball and was recruited by Red Phoenix when he was in Grade 11.
He had the opportunity to join the University of Santo Tomas (UST) coached by Aldin Ayo that time. However, he failed to compete in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament due to the health crisis.
But with a never-say-die spirit, Manzano kept on trying out with various schools before being accepted by the Falcons.
Meanwhile, Red Phoenix head coach Vincent Conlu who was also a former Far Eastern University Tamaraws player, believes Manzano will be a valuable addition to the rebuilding Falcons, as the team recently lost incoming freshman guard-forward Jake Figueroa to the National University Bulldogs.IMT
