Pacman’s Kia vs US ‘NC’ 5 today

MANILA, Philippines - Team Kia kicks off its buildup for the 2014 PBA season as it plays a US NCAA All-Stars team in a tune-up game today at the Unilab gym in Pioneer St., Mandaluyong.

The match is set at 2 p.m. with the Kia Kamao, led by player-coach Manny Pacquiao, expecting a tough outing against a select Division One All-Stars from the US NCAA.

Team Kia is one of the three new teams joining the pro league in October, bringing the PBA roster to a record 13. The two others are Blackwater Sports and NLEX of the PLDT group.

Meanwhile, the Kia Kamao has been training in earnest at the Azure, a posh six-hectare beach resort condominium project in Bicutan.

The Columbian Autocar Corp., the sole distributor of Kia vehicles in the country, has stakes at Azure with CAC turning the existing basketball court at Azure into a covered and air-conditioned practice venue for the Kia Kamao.

Tryouts are actually ongoing for Team Kia.

Pacquiao, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, will serve as player-coach for the team.