Cebuano Mantilla recruited by UP Fighting Maroons

Former Cesafi MVP Jaybie Mantilla is expected to join the UP Fighting Maroons in Season 82 of the UAAP. | CDN file photo

Cebu City, Philippines—The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons bolstered their backcourt even further, as they recruited former Cesafi MVP Jaybie Mantilla to join their campaign in UAAP Season 82.

The 23-year-old Mantilla is eligible to play right away, having already graduated from the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) last season. 

His case is much like that of another Cesafi MVP in Rey Suerte, formerly of the University of the Visayas (UV), who was recruited to play for the University of the East (UE) this season.

The 5-foot-9 Mantilla, a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman in Barangay Suba, Cebu City, is currently playing for the Cebu Sharks-Casino Ethyl Alcohol but has already gotten the blessing of team owners to take a leave and join UP after head coach Bo Perasol personally spoke with upper management of International Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Mantilla said he was shocked when he learned when UP was interested in recruiting him. But it all came to fore for the pride of Pasil when Perasol himself met with him two weeks ago to talk about the school, the team and his possible role with the Maroons. 

“It’s shocking to me that a school like UP wants me to join their team,” said Mantilla who won MVP honors in the Cesai in 2017. “I only used to watch the UAAP games on TV and dream of what’s it like to play in Mall of Asia Arena or the Araneta Coliseum.” 

Mantilla shared that Perasol envisions him playing the role of backup point guard to current starter and fellow Cesafi product, Jun Manzo. 

“Coach Bo told me to just play the game the way I play it, with speed, force and no hesitation and I’m excited to do just that,” said Mantilla, who will be joining the Maroons on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. 

Mantilla admitted that he gets butterflies in his stomach just thinking of all the big names he will soon be playing with, referring to collegiate stars Juan Gomez de Liano, Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras. 

“These are all big name players so I really have to work even harder to learn the system and mesh with the team they already have up there.” 

Mantilla adds that UE was also interested in recruiting him but in the end, he chose UP because he appreciated how upfront Perasol was in talking to him and the management of the Sharks. 

Sharks spokesperson Jerome Calatrava said that they will be keeping Mantilla’s spot open for him to return to once the UAAP concludes later this year. For now, Mantilla will no longer be suiting up for Cebu in the upcoming Lakandula Cup. /bmjo