By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights was just dealt with a tough blow after superstar rookie Jonathan Manalili was ruled out of the whole NCAA Season 100 men’s basketball tournament due to a season-ending surgery.
Manalili’s specific injury is yet to be announced by Letran but the school already confirmed his absence after also leaving him out of the official roster for the upcoming season.
A back-to-back champion in the NCAA high school ranks with the Letran Squires, Manalili was highly touted by different schools but chose to give back to the institution that molded him into the force that he is now.
In his final eligible year with Letran, Manalili saved his best for last and averaged 16.08 points, 6.92 assists, 4.23 rebounds, and 2.46 steals.
Manalili didn’t stop producing numbers in the regular season and steered the Squires to the championship title and was also hailed as the NCAA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).
During the off-season, Manalili earned a big break after getting selected by Strong Group-Pilipinas in their campaign at the William Jones Cup.
Despite going up against professional hoopers from all over Southeast Asia, Manalili showed that he can play with the big boys and contributed several efficient performances in their wins.
With the NCAA season near approaching, Letran will go back to square one as they are planning Manalili to become their primary ball handler in the college division.
Players who will be expected to fill the shoes of Manalili are Deo Cuajao, Kobe Monje, Kevin Santos, and Rafael Go.
