By: Sophia Pacheco
Jonathan “Titing” Manalili signaling plays on the court as the Letran Knights battle Arellano University Chiefs. Photo and Layout by Maverick Rhoy De Vera / The LANCE
Colegio de San Juan de Letran found its heartbeat again to the rhythm of rookie point guard Jonathan “Titing” Manalili as the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament reached its midpoint.
After a rocky 0-3 start to their NCAA Season 101 campaign, the Knights have stormed back into form, riding a five-game winning streak fueled by the poise, vision, and fire of their young floor general.
For his standout performances, Manalili was named NCAA Player of the Week by the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) for the period of Oct. 20 to 26, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Manalili proved his mettle in Letran’s thrilling 85-82 overtime victory over defending champion Mapua University on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
Under the bright lights and against former NCAA Rookie-MVP Clint Escamis, the rookie guard delivered a composed 14 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, plus the crucial free throws that sent the game into overtime.
“Nagfi-free throw kasi ako tapos may sinabi siya sa akin na parang, ‘Dito mo patunayan, bata,’” Manalili shared.
“Sabi ko naman, kailangan kong patunayan kasi Rookie MVP ‘yan. Kailangan kong ipakita sa kanya na kaya ko pa ring makipagsabayan kahit nasa college na.”
The challenge lit a fire in Manalili, who went on to score or assist on 15 of Letran’s last 19 points in the comeback win, a performance that cleared doubts about his growing command of the Knights’ offense.
Just days later, Manalili orchestrated another masterclass in Letran’s 83-65 rout of Arellano University, dishing out 11 assists and grabbing five boards despite only scoring eight points.
His court vision opened opportunities for teammates like Kevin Santos, who punctuated the game with back-to-back slams off pinpoint passes from Manalili.
Across the week, the rookie averaged 11 points, 10.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and a steal per game, showing remarkable balance between playmaking and composure.
His performances not only earned him the Player of the Week award over strong candidates like teammate Kevin Santos, San Beda’s Janti Miller, and Perpetual’s Mark Gojo Cruz but also cemented his status as the driving force behind Letran’s resurgence. The star guard has eclipsed expectations this season and if this stellar play continues, fans might witness another Rookie-MVP coming out of Letran.