By Adrian Stewart Co
Bacolodnon guard Jeffrey Manday sees now as the right time for him to throw his name into the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft slated on March 14.
The former Colegio de Santa Ana de Victorias (CSAV) standout said, apart from realizing his dream of playing in the PBA, his jump to the professional rank is also a way to provide financial help to his family.
“I waited for this, and I am so firm with my decision to join the PBA draft,” Manday said. “Napakarami ang nangangarap na makapaglaro sa PBA at nakikita kong right timing na ito for me.”
“At kung papalarin na makuha sa draft, napakalaking tulong po ito, not only for myself, but also to my family,” he added. “It will also be a great opportunity for me to bring back the pride of Bacolod city and the province in the field of sports.”
“Ito talaga ang pinaka dahilan ng lahat ng pagsisikap ko sa paglalaro ng basketball para maiahon ko ang pamilya ko sa hirap ng buhay,” he further said. “I am not entering the PBA para sumikat kundi para to help my family.”
Manday suited up for CSAV of team manager Ramon Paulo Cruz, where he won three NOPSSCEA championships and also named MVP thrice. He then played for Marinerong Pilipino in the PBA Developmental League.
“Playing for CSAV for college, I can say that I have developed the winning mentality as a player,” he said. “Doon ko natutunan lahat ng skills ko and I can say that it’s about time to bring my talent to national competition.”
The Bacolodnon guard further said that he does not have any preferred teams in the PBA and is looking forward to give his best to any squad that will take a chance on him.
“I am open naman to play for any teams in the PBA. What I can promise them is ipapakita ko ang disiplina sa sarili, ang kahandaan ko to play in the professional league,” Manday said.
“Even during the pandemic naman, I regularly do practice and workout to improve more my skills including mental and physical so that I will be ready to contribute sa team na kukuha sa akin,” he added./ASC, WDJ