For Jerry Codiñera, one of the greatest defenders in PBA history, basketball has always been more than just a game. And now, as his son Manu embarks on the crucial PBA Draft Combine, the “Defense Minister” is passing down lessons built on grit, sacrifice, and legacy.
“Well, I don’t want to overwhelm his mind in today’s draft combine. One thing that I always tell him is that I started young. When I was a rookie in the PBA, I was just 20-21,” Codiñera told Abante Sports Now.
The former Purefoods cornerstone admitted he wasn’t the most athletic nor the flashiest when he entered the league, but he carried with him an edge that mattered most.
“I’m not super athletic, but I know how to win. That’s the most important thing. There’s no substitute to victory. That’s what I always tell him.”
For Manu, the road ahead won’t be easy. His father reminded him that in the PBA, expectations are constant—whether from coaches, teammates, or fans.
“The fans and the coaches expect very high from you. The expectations are always very high. You have to live with it every day, every game, every practice,” Jerry said.
But amid the pressure, his message to his son remains rooted in humility and hard work.
“Just continue to work hard and always please your coach, please your teammates, and please the fans.”
🔗 Watch the full interview here.
