Jonathan Manalili’s playmaking has been key in Letran’s march back to the NCAA Finals.
Manalili was at it again on Friday, recording a double-double to the Knights to a 74-70 Game 2 win over Perpetual Help in Game 2 of their NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball Final Four series.
A stat line of 16 points and 14 assists is a rare feat for most players, but for Manalili, it’s just another day in the office.
He has coach Allen Ricardo and the rest of the Letran coaching staff to thank for his consistent showing.
‘My coaches really help me during viewing,’ Manalili said. ‘They’re (Altas) always packed in the paint. Earlier, my pass to Jimboy (Estrada) in the corner, I studied that.’
The Altas led by just a point, 70-69, before Manalili drove the lane full of Altas defenders and swung the rock to the corner for Estrada’s go-ahead triple that put the Knights up for good, 72-70, with 1:41 to go in the game.
Manalili could have reveled in another highlight-filled performance but that’s not how the rookie is programmed. Instead, he’s looking for more ways to find the open man for the Knights.
‘I still make a lot of mistakes. I kept dropping the ball in the paint even though there were lots of defenders inside. I practice my passes in training and I work really hard on them and I’m thankful that it materialized.’
Manalili has been stellar all season long and he has no plans of slowing down as Letran faces either San Beda or College of St. Benilde in the Finals.
‘We’re not finished yet. We’ll keep working on ourselves and myself,’ he said. ‘I need to bulk up more. Whether we face Beda or Benilde, they’re both tough,’ Manalili added.