Manalili Grateful Injury Wasn’t Worse, Continues to Lead Letran From Sidelines

Titing Manalili feared the worst after a scary fall against Lyceum of the Philippines University, even thinking his basketball career might be over.

The Letran guard went down in pain, leaving the Knights concerned about the severity of his injury. Fortunately, what initially looked like a potentially serious setback turned out to be a knee sprain, with Manalili expected to return in November.

“Siyempre akala ko talaga katapusan na ng career ko kasi narinig ko may tumunog at sumigaw ako noon,” Manalili told ALL-STAR.

While grateful that the injury was not as serious as he initially feared, Manalili knows that being sidelined will still be difficult. Beyond missing games, the injury means spending several weeks away from the team he has been helping lead as Letran continues its NCAA Season 102 campaign.

“Sobrang thankful ako kay Lord dahil minor injury lang. Pero sad pa rin ako dahil maiiwan ko ang team at lalayo ako sa kanila nang ilang laro,” he said.

The setback has also given Manalili a chance to reflect on how he handles physical injuries. Having previously dealt with a wrist problem, the guard admitted that he had tried to push through the pain before. This latest incident served as another reminder that he needs to listen to his body rather than force himself to play when he is not ready.

“Dahil sa wrist ko pa lang ay pinilit ko na, naging wake-up call na rin ito sa akin na huwag masyadong pilitin ang mga bagay-bagay kapag hindi pa kaya,” Manalili said.

Manalili also acknowledged the importance of Letran’s strength and conditioning coaches, Bryan Cay and Daryl Diaz, in helping prepare him physically. He credited their support and guidance as he dealt with the aftermath of the frightening fall.

“Sobrang laking bagay nina Coach Bryan at Coach Daryl. Talagang hindi nila ako pinabayaan. Sobrang thankful at may tiwala ako sa kanila,” he said.

While his recovery keeps him off the court, Manalili has found other ways to remain involved with the Knights. He continues to join team huddles, encourage his teammates, and remind them that they can still compete even without him in the lineup.

Rather than letting his absence weigh on the team, Manalili wants the Knights to treat the challenge as an opportunity to build their confidence and strengthen their trust in one another.

“Heads up lang. Gawin nating motivation kapag wala ako, para tumatak sa isip nila na kaya rin nila. Alam kong kaya nila—kailangan lang ng kaunting kompiyansa at tiwala sa isa’t isa,” Manalili said.

Among those he believes can step up is backup point guard Nathaniel Montecillo. Manalili has confidence in Montecillo’s ability and wants him to embrace the opportunity to prove himself as the Knights adjust to playing without their injured guard.

“Alam ko ang kakayahan ni Nath [Montecillo], kaya sabi ko sa kaniya, hayaan niya ang mga taong hindi naniniwala sa kaniya dahil ito ang best time para magpakita at patunayang mali sila,” he said.

For Manalili, being sidelined does not mean he has to stop contributing to Letran. Although his role has temporarily shifted from the court to the bench, he remains determined to help his teammates stay confident and motivated.

With November marking his expected return, Manalili will continue to support the Knights from the sidelines in the meantime, trusting his teammates to hold their ground while he works his way back to the court.