Vic Manuel: A Beast in His Prime – How SMB Wasted His Talent and Ginebra Got a Steal!”
Vic Manuel: A Beast in His Prime – How SMB Wasted His Talent and Ginebra Got a Steal!”
In the fast-paced world of Philippine basketball, the talent on the court often becomes the focal point of heated discussions. However, one player’s journey has left fans questioning: What could have been if he was utilized differently? Vic Manuel, a seasoned veteran of the PBA, has demonstrated his immense skills time and again, only to be somewhat underutilized by his former team, San Miguel Beermen (SMB). Yet, now that he’s with Barangay Ginebra, it feels like the prime of “The Muscle Man” is finally being put to good use.
Halimaw si Vic Manuel – The Beast in His Prime
Vic Manuel, for those who’ve followed the PBA, is undeniably a force to be reckoned with. Standing at 6’4″, his combination of strength, agility, and basketball IQ has earned him the nickname “Halimaw” (beast). Through his years of experience and commitment to the game, Manuel has become one of the most dominant forwards in the league.
When fully engaged and in his prime, Manuel can explode offensively, owning the paint with powerful post moves and an uncanny ability to score in the clutch. He’s proven his worth as one of the toughest players to guard, with his physicality being both his advantage and his weapon. He is a living testament to how hard work and determination can make a player truly exceptional.
A Wasted Talent: SMB’s Missed Opportunity
Despite Manuel’s elite abilities, his time at San Miguel Beermen was frustratingly limited. While the team had incredible depth, with players like June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, and Arwind Santos filling key roles, Manuel’s potential often seemed to be on the back burner. It’s not to say he wasn’t given playing time, but it was clear that SMB didn’t fully capitalize on his capabilities, especially during their championship runs.
Instead of letting Manuel carve his own identity within the team, his role seemed inconsistent. While he’s more than capable of being the focal point of an offense, SMB often had him as just another piece in their championship puzzle. This led to the sad realization that Vic Manuel’s time at SMB was somewhat underappreciated. His power and ability to dominate in the post were often sidelined, while other stars like Fajardo took center stage. This lack of reliance on Manuel, who thrived in isolation and pick-and-roll situations, is arguably one of the biggest missed opportunities in recent PBA history.
Ginebra’s Gain: A Steal for the Barangay
When Vic Manuel was traded to Barangay Ginebra, it was a massive shift in dynamics. Suddenly, a hungry, experienced veteran was ready to take over a team that has been on the rise for several years under coach Tim Cone. Ginebra, known for its fast-paced style and passion-filled play, found a gem in Manuel.
What’s clear now is that Ginebra made an absolute steal by bringing in Manuel. Under Coach Cone’s system, Manuel has thrived in a more dynamic, high-energy offense that suits his skillset. Ginebra’s willingness to build around his strengths – his post moves, his ability to hit mid-range shots, and his powerful finishing ability – has allowed Manuel to shine like never before.
At Ginebra, Manuel has found himself in a more prominent role, able to dictate the pace and take over when needed. The offensive system in Ginebra is tailored to allow Manuel to exploit mismatches, using his physicality to overpower defenders. With players like Japeth Aguilar and Stanley Pringle around him, the focus is now on playing to Manuel’s strengths, something that SMB never fully tapped into.
The TR7 Trade – Ginebra Wins Again
Another critical element that cannot go unnoticed in this shift is the trade involving Terrafirma’s (TR7) RJ Jazul to Ginebra. While many see Ginebra’s acquisition of Manuel as a huge coup, the real winner here is Ginebra’s tactical approach. Trading for RJ Jazul and positioning their roster with depth and experience gives them a championship-caliber lineup.
This strategic move to bring in Manuel alongside Jazul bolsters Ginebra’s roster and strengthens their chances of further domination in the league. The key takeaway here is that Ginebra has proven itself capable of building a team around talent that was previously underappreciated elsewhere. In contrast, Terrafirma, which traded Manuel to Ginebra, now has to ask themselves if they made the right choice – handing over a player that could’ve been an anchor for their squad.
What Could Have Been – A Legacy Missed by SMB
When you reflect on the talent that Vic Manuel possesses, it’s hard not to wonder just how much San Miguel could have achieved had they used him more strategically during his time there. A player like Manuel, with his sheer strength, scoring ability, and experience, deserves more than just a limited role.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from this situation is that when a player is properly utilized and given the proper tools and platform, they can achieve greatness. Manuel, now fully unleashed in his prime with Ginebra, is proof of that. What’s frustrating is that we could have witnessed even more from him had he been given the opportunity earlier, but at least we’re seeing it now.
Conclusion: The Beast is Back
In conclusion, Vic Manuel is the epitome of what it means to unlock a player’s true potential. His time with SMB, while productive, did not give him the spotlight he deserved. Now, with Ginebra, Manuel has found his rhythm, and it’s clear he is back to playing like a beast in his prime. As fans, we can only sit back and appreciate the show – but we also can’t help but feel that SMB squandered an opportunity to fully harness this powerhouse’s skillset. For Ginebra, though, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. It’s a true testament to the old saying: “One team’s loss is another team’s gain.”
