By Adrian Stewart Co
Vic Manuel’s stint with the NorthPort Batang Pier only lasted for two days after being shipped to San Miguel Beermen (SMB) in a stunning trade yesterday.
In acquiring the services of the 34-year-old forward, the Beermen parted ways with veteran reliable Arwind Santos by sending him to the Batang Pier camp.
The trade to the Beermen came as a surprise as Manuel just landed on the lap of the Batang Pier last week from his former team Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
Manuel along with forward Michael Calisaan were shipped by the Fuel Masters to the Batang Pier on Friday, November 5, in exchange for Sean Anthony and Sean Manganti.
There were also reports over the weekend that Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots is interested in trading for Manuel to reunite him with former teammate Calvin Abueva but he eventually went to San Miguel Beer.
Manuel will be an added boost to the Beermen’s frontline heading into the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup as he plays alongside June Mar Fajardo, Moala Tautuaa and import Brandon Brown.
On the part of Santos, he will be playing for his third team in his PBA career with the Batang Pier after starting with the Air 21 Express before moving to the Beermen.
The former Far Eastern University Tamaraws star had a solid 12 years with the Beermen franchise where he captured nine PBA championships and his lone PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and two Finals MVP.
The 40-year-old Santos will also provide much needed veteran presence in the Batang Pier’s youthful frontline being headed by Gregory Slaughter, Jamie Malonzo, Troy Rike, and Sidney Onwubere.
Santos’ transfer to the Batang Pier has long been rumored as he was being eyed by the Beermen as a trade bait to NorthPort’s three-point gunner Robert Bolick Jr. last conference./ASC, WDJ