MANILA – Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix center Cedrick Manzano has committed to play for the Adamson University Soaring Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball league.
The Cadijiocan, Romblon-born Manzano is grateful to the Falcons because they will help him realize his dream of becoming a Philippine Basketball Association player.
“I am very much thankful that I will be part of the Adamson team,” Manzano told Panay News on Tuesday.
“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.
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 was tapped by then-University of Santo Tomas (UST) head coach Aldin Ayo to join the school’s high school team for Grade 12, but due to the health crisis, he was unable to compete in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament. After failing to make the collegiate team at UST, Manzano tried out with various schools before being accepted by the Falcons.
Magsayo said he is grateful to Ryan Monteclaro and Gilbert Cruz for the help they extended.
Meanwhile, Red Phoenix head coach Vincent Conlu 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.
“I believe that he is a huge addition sa Adamson. Sa one year na na-handle ko siya, I can say that he is a very talented and hardworking player. Given the right guidance ng mga coaches sa Adamson, Cedrick can be an asset for them,” said Conlu, who is also a former UAAP player with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws./PN
