FANS TO SEE MORE OF PACQUIAO IN ALL-STAR WEEKEND, COMM’S CUP
Kia Motors team manager Eric Pineda said boxing idol Manny Pacquiao would be more than glad to play in the 2015 PBA All-Star Game.
“Kapag pinaglaro siya, siguradong lalaro yan,” said Pineda, who is also the business manager of the boxing icon.
With the PBA shifting back to the North vs. South format for the All-Star Game, there’s a strong possibility the Kia Sorento playing coach would be voted to the South starting unit.
Other top prospects for the South starting cast are Negrense James Yap, Cebuanos June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter and Asi Taulava, who traces his roots to Samar.
Kia may field Pacquiao in other All-Star events in the 2015 mid-season extravaganza set March 5-8 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The host province happens to have Columbian Autocar Corp. top boss Jose Alvarez as current governor.
The hosts alone may cast their votes heavily on Pacquiao.
Pineda said Pacquiao will be more active on the bench and on the playing court in the coming Commissioner’s Cup.
“Magbabago lang yan pag may nangyari na sa usapang Pacquiao-Mayweather fight,” Pineda pointed out.
Pacquiao has played two games as a PBA player, seeing action in the season opener versus Blackwater and then returning to play for his team three days after his fight with Chris Algieri in Macau last November.
“Nag-eensayo siya regularly. At nasa kanya kung gaano karami ang ilalaro niya,” said Pineda.
After playing over 20 players in the Philippine Cup, Pineda said they’re in the process of assessing things and forming a core group for the Commissioner’s Cup where they will be reinforced by 7-foot-3 Puerto Rican giant Peter John Ramos.
“At least ngayon, may idea na kami who are fit for our system,” Pineda said.
Reil Cervantes proved to be Kia’s main man last conference with the former FEU stalwart leading the team with averages of 16.64 points and 5.36 rebounds.
Hyram Bagatsing was the only other Sorento who averaged double-digit number with 10.5 points a game. (SB)
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