Pacquiao ‘doubtful’ to attend PBA dispersal draft

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao is “doubtful” to attend the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) dispersal draft on Friday, July 18, according to PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial.

Pacquiao, who was named head coach of KIA Motors, was initially set to attend the dispersal draft but Marcial said the Filipino ring icon needs to attend to his wife Jinkee, who is said to be sick.

“Doubtful kasi may sakit daw si Jinkee, masakit daw buong katawan,” Marcial explained in a brief phone interview with Rappler. (He’s doubtful to attend because Jinkee is sick and not feeling well.)

The 8-division boxing champion has ventured into basketball and is tasked to steer PBA expansion team KIA.

Team KIA and Blackwater Sports will begin forming their teams for the 40th season of the PBA, which unfolds in October, by drafting players unprotected by the league’s 10 existing teams.

It was also reported that Pacquiao may submit an application to enter the PBA Rookie Draft during the dispersal draft to be held at the PBA Office in Eastwood City, Libis. 

Among the notable players in the expansion draft are former MVP Danny Ildefonso, Ryan Buenafe of the Alaska Aces, and Alex Nuyles and Larry Rodriguez of Rain or Shine. – Rappler.com