Trillo to bring in Manuel slowly; Ritualo not part of Aces lineup

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska coach Luigi Trillo will break in Vic Manuel gently into the Aces’ scheme of things while clarifying that RenRen Ritualo will not play for them this season.

Alaska has split its first two games before picking up Ritualo’s contract after he was released by Air21 in order to get rugged enforcer Vic Manuel also from the Express in exchange for sweet-shooting forward Aldrech Ramos.

“Contrary to reports about RenRen, he is not part of the lineup. If no one signs him, we will pay his contract until it expires on August, 2014. He is welcome to try out for our line up next year,” Trillo told Philstar.com on Wednesday.

Trillo met with Ritualo to explain the situation with the Aces loaded at the backcourt. Meanwhile, with only one practice so far, Manuel is expected to play limited minutes when the Aces take on his former team Meralco Bolts Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

“We will break him in slowly,” Trillo said.  

Manuel has reunited with Trillo, his former D-League coach at Cebuana Lhuillier, who gave him the biggest break of his career earning him the Most Improved Player of the Award in the developmental league before turning pro.

Manuel played solid minutes for the Express last conference averaging close to 10 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He started in 11 of 13 games last conference before losing his minutes to former Alaska player Mark Borboran.

“If he plays well, we can extend him by one or two minutes. He has always played the four position but he has tools to play the three position.  He has a jump shot. He can dribble coast to coast and is quick off his feet,” Trillo said.

It looks like Trillo is envisioning Manuel to spell Cyrus Baguio at the three spot aside from playing his natural position as power forward.

“He can help us defensively with his athleticism. He reminds me of Cyrus with his demeanor. All out maglaro yang si Vic,” Trillo added.