Singing, law-making and basketball... Seriously Manny? Oh Come On!

Something extraordinary happened to Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao during his visit this week to California. Many people recognize that the Philippine congressman’s succeeding love and passion next to boxing is basketball. Just a moment ago, he was allotted as a playing coach for the KIA Sorentos, the latest professional team to unite the Philippine Basketball Association, the Filipino corresponding person of the U.S. National Basketball Association.

Free throw, Pacman's way

The Warriors were very overwhelmed with Pacquiao’s basketball skills during an impromptu practice diversion he had with the American players at the Oakland in the Oracle Arena. The rest is record; Pacquiao left the stadium with a signed three-year agreement with the Warriors.

It’s a dream come true for him, Pacquiao told the media in his inhabitant Tagalog.  “I will show the warrior and I’m happy that they did not make an error in picking me.” From being a boxing idol, congressman, singer, and pastor in the first place, Pacquiao loves basketball. In his preceding interview in his profession, Pacquiao thought that his first love is basketball that is characteristic to mainly Filipinos to play basketball. Even if you find a lot of Filipinos excel in sports other than basketball it still boils down to basketball is their first choice but end up in other sports because Filipinos lacks the height and range for this sport.

Pointy-mouth fade-away shot

I’m surprised the first time I examine an article that says Manny Pacquiao is playing basketball in PBA. And not just a team member, but he force to be a “playing coach”. Pacquiao allegedly reached agreement with KIA Motors as playing coach for their players that will debut on October 21 in the (PBA). Playing basketball in the PBA is another dream comes true for Manny Pacquiao. Before he found accomplishment in boxing, I know he dreamed also to suit a PBA player — just like any other Filipinos and that includes me. I know that many boxing fans (even die hard Pacquiao fans) raise an eyebrow on Pacquiao decision to play basketball. I read many downbeat posts on Facebook criticize the eight division champion on his purpose to play ball. The one that captures my interest is an article at Philippines boxing written by Ricah Trinidad on May 11. The headline reads “please don’t appoint PACQUIAO AS A MASCOT”. 

Pacquiao’s collision in the PBA Pacquiao, 35, said the contract was reached throughout a meeting with Ginia Domingo, head of Columbia Auto-car Corporation, distributor of Kia vehicles in the country, at the Pacific Star Hotel past noon on Thursday. Pacquiao bared he has long idolized basketball star Robert Jaworski and now wants to pursue his playing coach position with Ginebra in the nineties and eighties as he makes his invasion into qualified basketball. Asked what he can bring to the table as a PBA playing-coach, the tough-hitting boxer uttered self-confidence that he is prepared with enough coaching information since he has been playing the similar role in different trivial leagues he has played with his Team Pacquiao. 

Tongue-out Lay-up

Under that procedure, Pacquiao may have to go through the PBA recruit draft on August 24 to be able to ensemble as the oldest rookie in the 39-year record of Asia's first qualified basketball league. However, Pacquiao uttered confidence that he may not require to go through the draft if he is a playing-coach of Kia. “They say the rules allocate you to play for a team if you're a playing coach,” he said. “So that's what we're looking at right now.” Pacquiao said he is put to sign an agreement with Columbia Motors soon so he can start putting the pieces together for the team's first season in the pro league. 

Pacquiao also guaranteed the plan to suit up in the PBA has previously been unoccupied with his promoter, Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, who has reportedly extended his boxing promotional contract until 2016.