Jett Manuel says UP teammate Paul Desiderio deserves Mythical 5 nod

MANILA, Philippines – Jett Manuel is proud of his now former teammate Paul Desiderio, who was named to the UAAP Season 79 Mythical 5 and officially received his award on Wednesday, December 7, before Game 2 of the finals.

The 5-foot-11 guard became the first University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon to make the Mythical selection in a decade, after Marvin Cruz in 2006.

“Actually hindi naman masyado kinagulat. Sobrang deserving ni Paul na part siya ng Mythical 5 this year. He’s one of the bigger pieces ng team kaya kami nag-succeed,” said graduating skipper Manuel, referring to UP’s resurgence this season where they notched a 10-year best 5-11 record and had a shot at making the Final Four.

“No doubt he deserves it, I’m really happy for him.”

(Actually I wasn’t too surprised. Paul very much deserves to be part of the Mythical 5 this year. He’s one of the bigger pieces of the team that’s why we succeeded.)

Desiderio joined De La Salle University’s Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng, Far Eastern University’s Raymar Jose, and Ateneo de Manila University’s Thirdy Ravena in this season’s best 5.

Manuel is confident he is leaving the Fighting Maroons in good hands with Desiderio set to take on the leadership role next year.

“Paul’s going to be the undoubted leader now, especially on the court. This is just one step for him. He can do better. I’m looking forward to it,” said Manuel.

Both Desiderio and Manuel joined members of Gilas Pilipinas in the press conference Monday, December 5, where the team formalized its partnership with Chooks To Go.

Neither of them knew they would be introduced along with the Gilas members but expressed willingness to help out the team in any way they can.

The Gilas dinner and his Mythical Team selection served as early Christmas gifts for Desiderio, who will his final year with UP next season.

“Parang kumpleto na yung Pasko ko e, napaaga. Sana makatulong din ‘to sa akin para next year (It completed my Christmas, like it came early. I hope this will help me for next year),” said Desiderio.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes clarified Manuel and Desiderio are not part of the Gilas pool, which now has 12 of its former cadets included and the other 12 slots reserved for veteran PBA players.

“No, not in the final Gilas pool. But they’re part of the greater Gilas family,” Reyes said.

Manuel, however, offered himself as a practice player in the coming months.

“It’s always been my dream to play for Gilas or have the Philippines on my chest one way or another,” he said. – Rappler.com