Cedrick Manzano closes his collegiate career with the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
Nash Racela could still remember when Cedrick Manzano first came to Adamson.
Previously committed to the University of Santo Tomas, Manzano came to San Marcelino as a raw talent, only to grow into one of the UAAP’s best big men under the guidance of Racela and his coaching staff.
On Sunday, November 23, Manzano played his final game as a Soaring Falcon, finishing with seven points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in Adamson’s 61-72 loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, which also ended their Final Four push for the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“We want to produce the next Cedrick Manzano, and I told the players doon sa dugout na when Cedrick first went to us…’di ba Baby Boy Manzano pa nga ang tawag sa kanya?” Racela said in his exit interview.
“So sabi ko, it’s good that the younger players like [Kobe] Demisana, [Louis] Perez, [Jireh] Tumaneng, na-experience niyo si Cedrick for one year, so nakita nila kung paano mag-focus at mag-sacrifice sa ginagawa niya everyday kaya nakarating siya sa ganitong level.”
The big man wrapped up Season 88 with a team-high 11.75 points and 7.14 rebounds, leading the Falcons to a respectable 6-8 record in his final year. Racela sees it as a reflection of all the work he’s put in since his debut back in Season 84.
“And I was telling them na hindi ganyan si Cedrick noon. It just came to a point na ‘Ah, may mga kailangan akong baguhin and that’s why nag-grow ‘yung game niya. So it’s something na sana mangyari doon sa mga younger players namin,” Racela said.
More than his work ethic and dedication, Racela also lauded Manzano’s loyalty, especially to an under-the-radar program like Adamson.
“Mahirap palitan si Manzano and I’m so very thankful to him for the five years na nandito siya sa amin. Perfect example siya sa mga ibang bata na pumili ng isang eskwela na hindi masyadong pinupuntahan ng ibang players, but he still chose Adamson. He grew with Adamson over the past few years kaya ganyan siya ngayon.”
The feeling’s mutual
Just as Coach Nash is grateful for his loyalty and dedication, Cedrick Manzano exits San Marcelino with no regrets, especially after Racela and his coaching staff molded him into the player that he is today.
For Manzano, being guided by the champion mentor has taught him to be humble — a trait that allowed him to grow from a raw talent to a leader for Racela’s Soaring Falcons.
“Para sakin marami akong natutunan kila Coach Nash, pero parang lagi na be humble lang. Hindi mo alam kung saan ka pupulutin kapag naging humble ka. Up and down ka man at least wala kang tinatapakan na tao,” he said.
Being part of an underdog Adamson program, Manzano said, also gave him precious lessons that he will carry into his professional career, especially with how they clawed their way into Final Four contention for the past few seasons.
“Malaking tulong ‘yun kasi growth ‘yun para mapunta sa pro. Na hindi ka na mahihirapan sa pro kasi naranasan mo na yung ganong sitwasyon,” he reflected.
Although replacing him will be a big challenge, Manzano already has a potential successor in mind.
“Para sa akin si Kobe Demisana. Roommate ko din kasi siya and tinuturo ko sa kanya ‘yung mga experience ko dati pa hanggang ngayon. Next season feel ko siya na rin ‘yung player na gagawa nung ginagawa ko noon.”
It remains to be seen who will step into Cedrick Manzano’s shoes for UAAP Season 89 and beyond. But one thing’s for sure and that’s him leaving a high standard of loyalty and dedication for his teammates to follow.
Images courtesy of the UAAP Media Bureau.