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Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso made clear that Vic Manuel remains the Aces’ top priority when it comes to contract negotiation this offseason, even as negotiations for the forward’s new contract stalled after Manuel expressed his desire to go elsewhere.
“I met with him last night (Friday) and he was able to share his concerns, plans and wishes with me. He frankly expressed that his contractual situation at almost 34 makes him constantly think about his family’s life after his career.” . Cariaso said in an official statement on Saturday. “There is no question that Vic is our number one priority to re-sign.”
The Alaska coach shared that he fully understood Manuel’s concerns as he had been a PBA player before.
However, Cariaso also had to explain to 6-foot-4, Manuel that “doing things the right way will always be the best way” instead of a report in which “Muscle Man” was quoted as saying “he wanted to. get out of the team. “
After Alaska team governor Dickie Bachmann’s initial meeting with Manuel’s agent, Danny Espiritu, on Dec. 26, Cariaso explained that management followed up on the team’s two-year maximum offer five days later to See if your prized forward already has an answer.
“The agent replied, ‘He’s still thinking about it.’ Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that Alaska did not approach him,” Cariaso emphasized.
The 48-year-old Alaska mentor declined to comment on whether Manuel is willing to accept the team’s maximum two-year contract that includes a performance clause.
“Vic and I came out of the meeting understanding the possibilities that the future holds. I will keep the details private to maintain respect,” shared Cariaso, a member of the Alaska team that won a Grand Slam in the 1996 season.
Manuel’s old two-year contract expired on December 31.
He averaged nearly 16 points, six rebounds and more than two assists during the recent PBA bubble.
