PBA, fans await return of Manny to KIA bench

MANILA, Philippines - PBA board chairman Patrick Gregorio couldn’t put it any better as to the excitement of the PBA and the PBA fans on Manny Pacquiao’s return on the hard court. 

“Nag-aabang ang buong bayan (The whole nation awaits his return),” said Gregorio.

Pacquiao, the Kia Motors’ playing coach, could be back as early as Wednesday when the Sorento and the Purefoods Star Hotshots clash in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

“Before leaving for Macau, Manny intimated he may rejoin his team right away if he’s not hurt in his fight,” said PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial.

The crowd erupted to a joyous celebration as the game barker announced during the Talk n Text-Barako Bull match on Sunday Pacquiao’s conquest of Chris Algieri in their fight in Macau.

The PBA circle was one with the nation in toasting the Filipino boxing idol’s latest triumph.

It’s his first while tending duties as a prized fighter, a lawmaker and a pro basketball playing coach.

Members of his Kia team were at ringside as he whipped Algieri to retain his WBO belt.

“As his colleagues in the PBA, as his fans, as his countrymen, we cannot be happier,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who followed the match on SMS or text messaging while in transit from Cagayan de Oro to Biñan, Laguna.

“Manny is victorious. Manny is safe. There is nothing more we can ask for. We can’t wait for him to come home to our country and to the PBA,” Salud added.

“It’s around the fifth round when we touched down in Manila,” said Marcial, among the PBA group flying in from the Cagayan de Oro stop of the Petron Blaze PBA on Tour Saturday night.

“The commissioner was well advised on what’s happening in Cotai by PBA friends who were there in the fight venue,” Marcial added.

San Miguel Beer faces off GlobalPort tonight with coach Leo Austria wary of the Beermen’s chances against the surging Batang Pier in a crucial PBA Philippine Cup matchup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m impressed with Globalport, and I’m one of those who believe they can beat any team in any given night, especially if you take them lightly,” said Austria, aiming to steer the Beermen to a share of the lead with the idle Alaska Aces.

Gametime is at 4:15 p.m.

“For sure, we’ll take them seriously. We’re determined to get this one that could virtually send us to the Top Two,” Austria added. “If we get two full games ahead of Rain or Shine, we’re virtually in since teams behind us will still play one another.”