Vic Manuel set for PBA comeback with Converge

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

It didn’t take long for a PBA franchise to re-acquire the services of Vic “The Muscle Man” Manuel.

After a nine-month PBA hiatus when no team signed him to a contract, one of the craftiest frontcourt stars Filipino hoops fans have witnessed will finally return to the country’s premier basketball league.

According to multiple reports, Manuel has already agreed to terms with the Converge FiberXers and is eligible to play once the franchise resumes its PBA Philippine Cup campaign today against the NLEX Road Warriors.

Manuel’s arrival comes at a crucial time for the FiberXers, as a win over the Road Warriors would assure them of direct qualification to the PBA quarterfinals.

If Converge loses the matchup, it will be relegated outside the Top 4 race and will no longer have a chance to gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.

Despite his layoff from the PBA, Manuel kept himself in game shape by joining the Pangasinan Heat Waves in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

Manuel flashed his vintage form and immediately made an impact in Pangasinan, averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 33 games.

He not only proved he is worthy of another PBA call-up by leading the Heat Waves to a North Division finals berth, but also showed resilience despite falling to the star-studded Abra Weavers squad led by Dave Ildefonso, Mike Ayonayon, and Jason Brickman.

On Dec. 15, 2025, Manuel teased fans with a Facebook post captioned “87,” possibly referring to the jersey number he will wear with Converge.

Manuel will look to guide a talented Converge frontcourt rotation led by Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, and Larry Muyang.

As one of the veterans alongside Rafi Reavis, Manuel boasts a decorated PBA career with two championship titles from 2022 to 2024 and is expected to serve as the team’s locker room leader for the remainder of the season.