Converge explain Vic Manuel signing after veteran delivers winning debut

Converge FiberXers received a timely boost in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) campaign after signing veteran forward Vic Manuel to bolster their frontline with experience and depth.

Manuel’s agent, Danny Espiritu, confirmed to multiple media outlets that the 38-year-old has agreed to a short-term deal with Converge and will suit up for the remainder of the 2025 Philippine Cup.

The former PBA champion wasted little time showing his value, helping the FiberXers pull off a 107–95 win over the NLEX Road Warriors in his debut on Wednesday, December 17, at Khalifa Sports City Stadium. Despite having only two days of practice with his new team, the aptly nicknamed “Muscle Man” made an immediate impact, tallying five points, four rebounds, and four assists in just under seven minutes of action.

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That veteran presence was precisely what convinced head coach Delta Pineda to bring Manuel on board, as Converge looks to move past its quarterfinal exits in previous conferences.

That’s a victorious return for Vic Manuel in the PBA as Converge stepped on the gas in overtime to beat NLEX #PBA50 pic.twitter.com/nwTUlTfgoQ

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) December 17, 2025

“Kailangan nila FiberXers ng tito sa game. Kailangan ng beterano para makatulong. Kasi si Vic has more championship experience, during playoffs. Makatutulong po,” Pineda said during the postgame press conference.

“Nawalan kasi kami isang player because of the trade. May open spot kaya we think Vic is the best guy para sa position na ‘yon. Even sa bench, nakatutulong na palakasin ang loob ng mga bta,” he added.

Manuel strengthens a Converge frontline that already features young big men Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, and Larry Muyang, giving the FiberXers a blend of youth and playoff-tested experience.

Converge currently sports a 7–4 win-loss record and has already secured a quarterfinals berth. The victory over NLEX further boosted the team’s bid for a coveted twice-to-beat advantage heading into the next round.

Selected ninth overall by GlobalPort Batang Pier in the 2012 PBA Draft, Manuel has built a well-traveled and decorated career, suiting up for the Meralco Bolts, Air21 Express, Alaska Aces, Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, San Miguel Beermen, and Terrafirma Dyip. He is a two-time PBA champion and a recipient of both the PBA Mr. Quality Minutes award and the PBA Co-Order of Merit in 2018.

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