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Manganti on his final bow, "I love Adamson forever"



PHOTO: Dennis Jerome Acosta

by Sherlyn Paleg

QUEZON CITY - Sean Manganti, who once hailed as UP killer, ended his three-year service for blue and white with a heartbreaking loss against their fellow history-seeking University of the Philippines in do-or-die game semifinals in front of almost 21 000 fans, last Wednesday night, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Manganti said that, "I just hope I can be remembered as one that left it all on the floor, one that gave his life to Adamson, one that gave his heart to Adamson and sacrificed everything for Adamson no matter what" he mutters while battling his tears, "And hopefully as a winner and a competitor".

This 24-year-old athlete who move from California to San Marcelino, Manila four years ago, did everything for Adamson. From being a dunker in Season 79 to a clutch shot maker in Season 80 and being Soaring Falcons Captain in Season 81 which was supposed to be different from the past seasons. This season was the strongest were they got the first twice to beat advantage in Pumaren's era.

But just like before, it wasn't still for Adamson nor for Manganti.

Now on his way to the exit doors, Manganti expressed his gratitude on the place that became his home for four years, "I love you forever. That's all I can keep saying. I love Adamson forever. They'll always be a big part of me. They are the reason who I am today. They shaped me into the man I am today. And I hope the feeling is mutual."

Manganti hopes that some of his teammates will go out and keep the Adamson status as one of the contenders in the league. Manganti said that, "I expect them to be in the same place. I expect certain guys to step up, to take my role. I'm expecting Jonathan Espeleta and Simon Camacho to step up and I think it will be the same strong team."

The Fil-Am athlete gives clue that this won't be the last time basketball fans will see him.

Manganti ended with, "I'm looking at (PBA) draft. Either this year or next year."


Follow her on Twitter, @jsmpaleg