MANILA, Philippines – After clinching his first win in the PBA, KIA playing coach Manny Pacquiao will be skipping the team’s next games to prepare for his upcoming fight against Chris Algeri on November 23 in Macau.
“Ang next game namin is Saturday against [Barangay] Ginebra [San Miguel], pero di na ako maglalaro dahil malapit na ang fight [against Chris Algeri],” said Pacquiao after the Sorentos beat the Blackwater Elite, 80-66, in the PBA Season 40 opener Sunday.
From now on, Pacquiao will be handing the decision-making to assistant coach Glen Capacio. KIA will be playing their next game on October 25 in Lucena City. If his schedule permits, he will also be travelling with the team to give support.
“Hindi bale na hindi ako makakapaglaro, basta manalo ang Team Kia,” said Pacquiao.
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The boxing icon made his professional basketball debut in front of 52,000 fans at the newly constructed Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. Even with just his limited playing time, Pacquiao never failed to make the stadium go wild every time he touched the ball.
With the overwhelming attendance in the PBA opener, fighting congressman is grateful to everyone who came to support his team play.
“Nagpapasalamat ako, sobra-sobra ang saya at baguhan na team ito at maraming sumusuporta sa amin,” said Pacquiao.
Though Pacquiao will rest from his short stint in the PBA, he intends to resume playing for his team barring injuries from his upcoming boxing match.
“Baka after ng fight saka ako maglalaro ulit,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao had two turnovers and a foul in just 6 minutes and 46 seconds of action.