Manny Pacquiao says his basketball performance will improve after Algieri fight

Jane Bracher

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Manny Pacquiao says his basketball performance will improve after Algieri fight
"After the fight I will be able to play well," says Pacquiao, who feels his performance on the court is affected by his upcoming bout with Chris Algieri

BULACAN, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s dream was to play in the Philippine Basketball Association, but the 8-division boxing champion is hoping his performances on the court can soon resemble those in the ring. 

Speaking to the press following his first PBA win as playing coach for Kia Sorento on Sunday, October 19 at the Philippine Arena, Pacquiao assured he will come out better as a player once he’s through with his upcoming bout against Chris Algieri on November 23.

Pacquiao, whose only markings on the statistic sheets were two turnovers and a foul in the first 7 minutes of the game, admitted it was difficult to focus on playing knowing he has a big fight in a few weeks. 

“Masaya naman kaya lang iba yung alanganin ka dahil may iniisip ka na fight,” he said before declaring he will be ready to go after his bout. 

“After ng fight makakapaglaro na akong husto.” 

(I’m happy but it’s hard when you’re preoccupied thinking about a fight. After the fight I will be able to play well.) 

It was Pacquiao’s first official foray into the pro basketball league, a longtime dream he was always vocal about. 

(IN PHOTOS: Manny Pacquiao, Kia win PBA debut)

The 5-foot-6 Pacquiao was guarded by players like former Rain or Shine forward Alex Nuyles, who towers over him at 6-foot-2. And despite this being his first PBA outing, he shared he was used to the physicality. 

“Okay naman. Sanay naman ako sa liga sa probinsiya na talagang dikdikan at malalaking kalaro.” (It was okay. I’m used to the leagues in the province where it’s really physical and the opponents are big.) 

In the pre-season Pacquiao managed to get on the scoreboard with a point and a rebound against the same opponent they defeated on opening day, Blackwater Elite. 

KIA mustered a come-from-behind victory against the former D-League champions despite being down by double figures in the first half. 

Pacquiao attributed his team’s slow start – characterized by a measly 22% shooting and just 5 assists – to the pressure of more than 52,000 people watching.  

“Medyo pressure lang siguro. Sabi namin alisin yung pressure, natural lang yan na maraming tao. Nandito sila para sumuporta sa atin,” he said.

“(Sabi namin) alisin yung pressure, focus lang sa game at i-execute mabuti yung mga plays na ginawa sa training at kailangan ng kaunting bilis. Yun na nga nangyari. Unang unang na-develop is yung depensa. Pangalawa yung opensa. Nag-combine yung opensa and depensa.” 

(They’re probably just a little pressured. We told them to get rid of the pressure, it’s only natural to have many people watching. They’re here to support us. We told them to take away the pressure, focus on the game and execute well the plays they did in training, as well move faster. That’s what happened. First we developed our defense and then our offense. Then that combined.)

Kia’s next game will be on Saturday against Barangay Ginebra in Lucena City. And although Pacquiao will not play, and his attendance is uncertain, he said it doesn’t matter as long as they win.

“Hindi baleng hindi ako makalaro basta palaging mananalo yung team Kia.” (It doesn’t matter if I don’t play as long as the team keeps on winning.) – Rappler.com

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