Adapting to Change: How Christian Manaytay Found His Way
In the high-stakes world of collegiate basketball, few players embody resilience and adaptability quite like Christian Manaytay. The 6-foot-5 forward recently concluded his UAAP career with the UST Growling Tigers, leaving behind memories of perseverance and a blueprint for making the most out of challenging situations.
Manaytay’s basketball journey began with a twist of fate. Originally recruited by De La Salle University, he found himself in an unexpected situation.
“So, funny story ‘yan,” Manaytay recalls in an exclusive with ALL-STAR. “Kasi nung pumunta ako sa La Salle, Coach Aldin Ayo was recruiting me. And akala ko nando’n siya, but nandoon sila Coach Louie Gonzales. And doon ako napunta. Pero parang nafeel ko na hindi ako magiging successful, ‘yung basketball career ko hindi magiging successful sa La Salle, so I transferred to UST kung nasaan si Coach Ayo.”
His decision to move to UST proved pivotal. Under multi-titled college coach Aldin Ayo, Manaytay found the confidence and opportunities he craved. However, his time with Ayo was short-lived following the fallout from the Sorsogon Bubble controversy. UST’s coaching carousel ensued, bringing in different philosophies and cultures – another test of Manaytay’s adaptability.
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“Changes of coach, palit ng coach, so it was a different culture, different environment na naman,” he explains. “But as a person, as a player, you need to always adapt. Kasi that’s how professionals do it, so I think mas maganda if you think like that. Like, ‘Okay, let’s be professional.’ Kasi may papalit talaga, it’s like a job eh.”
Photo source: UAAP Media Team
It was during his final two seasons, under the guidance of Coach Pido Jarencio, that Manaytay truly shined. Known for his sound fundamentals in the post, he developed an emerging outside shot and improved his ball-handling, key skills for his pro aspirations.
“Even though ‘di kami nakapag-championship, I think I got what I needed,” Manaytay reflects. “I wanted to feel what the Final Four is, so ‘yon na ‘yung nakuha ko.”
With his collegiate chapter closed, Manaytay now sets his sights on the professional ranks. He plans to start in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) before declaring for the PBA Draft next year.
“Pro is more… mas smart ‘yung play, always outside shooting. I’ll try my best lang, talk to my coaches on how to adjust,” he says.
Christian Manaytay’s story is one of patience and determination. Despite navigating a rocky path – from a detour at La Salle to coaching changes at UST – he never wavered in his pursuit of growth. Now, as he transitions to the pros, his adaptability and drive will serve him well in this next chapter of his basketball journey.
For Manaytay, the destination may have taken longer to reach, but the lessons learned along the way have prepared him for the challenges ahead.
