KIA CONFIRMS TALKS WITH PACQUIAO
The Fighting Congressman from Saranggani, the ring idol of every Filipino, is also taking his stuff over to pro basketball hardcourt.
At least, that’s what he’s been saying.
On Friday, Columbian Autocar Corporation confirmed ongoing talks with Manny Pacquiao for his possible participation in Team KIA, one of three expansion teams debuting in the PBA next season.
CAC president and chief executive officer Ginia Domingo said Pacquiao visited their Makati office Thursday to discuss the matter.
“We are both elated and excited at the possibility of our nation’s most popular and revered sports icon, Cong. Manny Pacquiao, becoming a part of Team KIA,” said Domingo.
“We will continue our discussions in the next few weeks and will announce our plans as soon as they are firmed up,” Domingo added.
On Thursday afternoon, Pacquiao announced on a TV interview that he’s joining KIA as playing assistant coach.
Meanwhile, the PBA reiterated Pacquiao will always be a welcome addition to the league but, like anyone else, has to go through the process if he plans to play.
“All rookie hopefuls have to apply for the draft. Once included in the final list of draft applicants, they go through the draft exercise,” said PBA operations chief Rickie Santos.
“All the teams would have a shot at him (Pacquiao) if ever,” Santos added.
PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said the league Board, during its last meeting, didn’t grant “direct hire concession” to any of the three expansion teams.
“Hindi siya pwedeng diretso agad sa Kia, unless the Board later on decides to give Kia a special concession,” Marcial said.
The 2014 Rookie Draft is set Aug. 24 at Robinson’s Place Manila. Before the Draft, Kia, NLEX and Blackwater will go through lottery to determine their draft order for the Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 draft rights and plus all the draft rights from the third round onwards.
“Pag sumali sa Draft yan, kukunin namin yan. Big marketing tool yan,” San Mig Coffee Board representative Rene Pardo has said. (SB)
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