LOYALTY SWAP | VIC MANUEL AND ICHIE ALTAMIRANO

This week, the PBA welcomed both a rookie free agent and a familiar face making a return.

Let’s start with the one that stands out right away: Vic Manuel.

Now on his eighth PBA stop, Manuel has pretty much been everywhere, even taking a detour to the MPBL with the Pangasinan Heatwaves. At 38, “The Muscle Man” isn’t getting any younger, but his experience and toughness are exactly what Converge needs as it tries to play the proverbial wrecking ball against the SMC and MVP power blocs. He’ll likely anchor the second unit, but his arrival suddenly makes things complicated for Mark Denver Omega.

Omega, a former Perpetual Altas standout and Letran Knight, just wrapped up his NCAA eligibility. He finished without a title, spent most of his college career as a second-stringer, and now risks an even worse fate: sitting behind the bench on the reserve list. Heck, I’m not even sure if he’s officially on the roster yet. Beyond Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana, Manuel and Omega will have to fight for rotation minutes against Larry Muyang, Ronan Santos, and Jaymo Eguilos.

And seriously, whatever happened to Rafi Reavis?

The other newcomer shaking things up is Ichie Altamirano, formerly of San Sebastian. Drafted 57th overall by San Miguel in 2023, Altamirano was left unsigned while the 76th pick, Kyt Jimenez, landed a two-year deal. His eventual signing now may have been prompted by RK Ilagan’s injury, but Altamirano brings real value on his own. He’s a solid defender, a natural combo guard, and exactly the type of player Blackwater can use, especially with Dalph Panopio potentially sidelined for a few games.

These signings often come with short leashes, but they also offer a real chance to impress. For veterans and rookies alike, this is about maximizing the moment. With MPBL players available now that the 2025 season is over, and NCAA prospects now in the mix, the PBA is shaping up for a chaotic midseason. Expect plenty of movement, quick tryouts, and roster shuffling as teams look for that one piece that might just stick.