PBA Free Agency: Ginebra is the target team of Manuel?

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Vic Manuel Eyes PBA Comeback with Ginebra: “I Want to Team Up with Japeth Aguilar”

After stepping away from the PBA last year, Vic Manuel is now expressing a clear desire to return—and not just anywhere, but to Barangay Ginebra, the league’s most iconic franchise.

In a recent appearance on PBA Motoclub, Manuel opened up about his longing to team up once again with Japeth Aguilar, his former teammate during the Southeast Asian Games.

“Gusto ko talaga makasama si Japeth. Sobrang laking tulong niya sa akin, at ako rin, makakatulong sa kanya,” Manuel said.

A Frontcourt Reunion with Japeth?

Fans of the national team may recall how Manuel and Aguilar complemented each other during international competitions. Manuel’s low-post muscle and midrange touch blended well with Aguilar’s length, shot-blocking, and vertical game.

In Ginebra, that combination could be even deadlier—especially under coach Tim Cone, who has always had a knack for maximizing skilled big men in his system.

Terrafirma Holds the Rights — For Now

While Manuel is a free agent in practical terms, his PBA rights remain with Terrafirma. This complicates any return to the league unless a trade or release is worked out.

However, this situation could change drastically if the rumored sale of Terrafirma to Starhorse materializes. Should the sale be finalized, Manuel’s rights would then transfer to what is expected to be a truly independent and competitive team.

This creates two interesting scenarios:

  1. Starhorse could choose to activate Manuel’s rights and have him play for their new team.

  2. Or they could use his rights as trade capital—a perfect opportunity for Ginebra to strike a deal.

Timing Could Be Perfect

Manuel made it clear he’s not rushing back into the league. He mentioned that he’s open to an offer after one full season, provided that the situation is right.

“Kung may offer after one season, at okay ang management, bakit hindi?” Manuel said.

At 36, Manuel may no longer be in his MVP-contending prime, but he remains one of the league’s most polished post players when healthy. His bruising style, rebounding, and scoring touch would fit well with Ginebra’s “never say die” culture.

A Win-Win for All Sides?

  • For Ginebra, adding Manuel to a frontcourt that already features Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger could make them even deeper for a potential title run.

  • For Manuel, it would be a chance to end his PBA career on his terms—with a contender, under a coach who knows how to use his strengths.

  • For Starhorse (if the Terrafirma sale is completed), this could be a way to extract real value from a veteran asset that may not fit their long-term plans.

Final Thoughts

Vic Manuel to Ginebra may just be a dream today—but it’s a dream rooted in chemistry, logic, and timing. And if the league’s trade winds start to blow in the right direction, that dream might not be so far-fetched after all.

Ginebra fans, imagine this: Aguilar and Manuel running the floor together again, this time in red and white. Now that’s a frontcourt worth watching.

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