PHOENIX Super LPG didn’t wait long to fill the void left by Calvin “The Beast” Abueva as the Fuel Masters acquired Vic “The Muscleman” Manuel in a trade with Alaska on Tuesday that involved stocky guard Brian Heruela—plus draft picks of both teams.
But Manuel told BusinessMirror filling Abueva’s shoes is too big a task.
“I just can’t say that I can fill up Calvin’s position and provide what he can deliver because he plays differently,” said the 33-year-old Manuel, who averaged 15.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 11 games in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup last year at the Clark bubble.
Phoenix traded the explosive Abueva, who plays the 3 and 4 positions, to Magnolia for Chris Banchero. The trade also involved exchange of picks in the March 14 Rookie Draft.
“I can play the No. 3 and 4 positions, but Calvin’s level is different. But I can provide them the experience and the leadership,” added Manuel, who finally got his wish from the Alaska management to be traded.
Phoenix management, however, thought otherwise.
“I think for us, he [Manuel] can do it. We got the pieces that we were really after—a point guard [Banchero] and a post threat that will open our shooters,” team manager Paolo Bugia said. “We want to form a competitive team every conference and we’re really happy to acquire him.”
The PBA approved the trade the same day the teams submitted the documents on Tuesday.
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