Manzano Chooses Continuity, Signs MPBL Deal With Quezon

Cedrick Manzano is set to begin a new chapter in his career after signing a one-year contract with the Quezon Huskers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

The move comes as Manzano transitions from a productive collegiate run into the professional game, carrying with him both experience and exciting potential.

Manzano built his reputation at Adamson University, where he developed into one of the Falcons’ standout frontcourt players.

Standing at 6-foot-5, he was a steady presence in the paint, valued for his rebounding, interior defense, and improving offensive touch. Over multiple UAAP seasons, he progressed from a role player into a team cornerstone, often anchoring Adamson’s frontline and logging heavy minutes against the league’s top big men and foreign student athletes.

In his final collegiate season, Manzano averaged a team-high 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and nearly a block a contest. He shot 49% from the field and 69% from the foul line.

His growth at the collegiate level eventually earned him a spot with Gilas Pilipinas in regional competition. Manzano was part of the national team pool that competed in the Southeast Asian Games, where he contributed as a rotation forward in a gold medal run.

While not a primary scoring option, his physicality, rebounding, and willingness to do the dirty work fit well within Norman Black’s team’s needs, giving him his first taste of international basketball and a higher level of competition.

That body of work made Manzano a sought-after prospect in the MPBL. According to his manager, Edgar Mangahas, the Abra Weavers, the league’s defending champions, made a serious push and presented a strong case. The interest underscored how Manzano’s UAAP run and national team exposure have elevated his standing beyond the collegiate ranks.

Despite Abra’s appeal, Manzano ultimately chose familiarity and continuity. A key factor in his decision was the presence of Nash Racela on Quezon’s coaching staff. Racela coached Manzano throughout his Adamson career and played a central role in his development, particularly in refining his defensive reads and positioning.

Staying under a system and coach he trusts was viewed as the best environment for a smooth transition to professional basketball.

Quezon’s signing of Manzano follows its recent acquisition of former UAAP standout John Abate, highlighting the Huskers’ push to surround themselves with players who have proven themselves at the collegiate level. With Manzano’s presence and experience in high-pressure games, Quezon adds a frontcourt piece capable of contributing immediately while still offering room for growth.