Manny Pacquiao to draft his cousin for Team KIA

MANILA, Philippines – Team KIA head coach and PBA draft applicant Manny Pacquiao was a no-show at the rookie draft combine but his cousin Rene was there representing the Pacquiao name. 

The 27-year old Rene Pacquiao, a quiet, soft-spoken 6-foot-5 forward who graduated from Southwestern University, is also joining the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft like Manny Pacquiao, the reigning WBO welterweight champion. And like his world-famous cousin, who will be selected by KIA in the first round of the draft, Rene Pacquiao already has a team waiting for him.

“Sabi niya (Manny Pacquiao) sa akin kukunin niya ako,” Rene Pacquiao said of the congressman of Sarangani’s assurance that he will be selected by KIA Motors on draft day this August 24. (He said he will draft me.)

Rene Pacquiao said it was the Pacman who encouraged him to join the draft just as he had returned to his hometown of Cebu and all but gave up on his basketball dreams.

“Tinawagan ako ni Congressman mag tryout daw ako sa PBA, magpa-draft daw ako,” he said. “Sobra ako saya.” (Congressman called me and told me to tryout for the PBA, and join the draft. I’m very happy.) 

After graduating from college, Rene Pacquiao took a chance in Manila and briefly played for Hog’s Breath in the PBA D-League during the 2013 Foundation Cup. But he was seldom-used and the stint left him disappointed, so he went back to Cebu. 

“Parang nawalan ako ng gana kasi hindi ako ginamit. Umuwi na lang ako sa Cebu, larong labas na lang,” he said. (I was discouraged because I didn’t have playing time. I went home instead to Cebu and played in the leagues there.) 

But Manny Pacquiao has since encouraged him to once again pursue his long-time dream to play in the PBA. (IN PHOTOS: PBA Draft Combine Day 2)

And with the guarantee that he will get picked as well as playing for and alongside his famous cousin, Rene Pacquiao no longer feels doubtful. Right now, he’s excited.

“Dati pa lang gusto ko na mag PBA. Pangarap ko mag-PBA para mapakita ko talent ko.” (I’ve always wanted to play in the PBA. It is my dream to play in the PBA to showcase my talents.)

During the rookie draft combine, Rene Pacquiao scored two points on one field goal and grabbed two boards in the scrimmage. He describes his game as a post guy with a decent outside shot.

“Ito na, pangarap na ‘to. Dapat tuloy-tuloy na laban.” (This is it, my dream is here. The battle continues.) 

Team KIA ‘blending’ already 

The team KIA was formed from the expansion draft, which includes players such as Reil Cervantes, Jai Reyes, and Nic Belasco, has been training for two months now. And the chemistry is coming along just fine, according to assistant coach Glenn Capacio. (RELATED: Jai Reyes’ career finds new life with Kia Motors)

“Nagble-blend na. Nagpa-patch up na lang kami ng spots,” he said. (The team is blending already. We’re just patching up some spots.) 

However, Capacio added that KIA has not had any tune-up games just yet, which is why they’re looking into having scrimmages abroad a month or two from now in Korea. 

Capacio also said that Manny Pacquiao is only able to visit practice once a week at the moment as he continues to be busy training for his upcoming bout as well as attending to his duties as Congressman, which is also why he missed the draft combine. 

“Naiintindihan naman namin kasi madami siyang trabaho and at the same time he’s preparing for his fight sa November, so okay lang sa amin,” he shared. “Tinatawagan naman namin siya lagi sa mga nangyayari sa practices.”

(We understand him because we know he has plenty of work to do and at the same time he’s preparing for his fight in November, so it’s okay with us. We call him regularly with updates on what happens during practices.) 

Manny Pacquiao, who will face WBO junior welterweight titleholder Chris Algieri on November 23 (PH time), will officially become a playing coach for KIA once the team selects him with their 11th pick. 

For the draft, KIA won’t be getting any of the top prospects. But they still hope to catch some sleepers in the second and third rounds.

“Kung sino lang available kasi alam ko hindi kami aabot. Medyo malayo kami sa draft, siyempre first round namin si boss Manny, so wala pa talaga. Depende kung sinong available,” Capacio said.

“Pero ang hinahanap namin talaga ay isang big man at isang point guard. Though malabo na kami. Andoon naman si Hereula and Pinto.” (We will go with whoever is available because we know we won’t make it to the other players. We’re farther down in the draft, and of course our first round pick is for boss Manny, so we really don’t know yet. It depends on who is available. But we’re looking for one big man and a point guard. Though it’s a little bleak. But Heruela and Pinto are there.) – Rappler.com