Pacquiao-owned D-League team targets finals in first conference

Jane Bracher

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Pacquiao-owned D-League team targets finals in first conference
The MP Hotel Warriors look to quickly adjust to the D-League and stay on pace with their goal of a finals appearance

MANILA, Philippines – Despite a lackluster debut in the PBA D-League, the Manny Pacquiao-owned MP Hotel Warriors are steadfast in aiming for nothing less than a finals appearance.

Gusto namin na aabot kami sa finals,” declared MP Hotel team manager Bobby Pacquiao, the brother of boxing champion Manny. “Pag-sisipagan talaga namin na umabot kami sa finals.” (We want to reach the finals. We will work hard to make it to the finals.)

The Warriors were clobbered by D-League veterans Cafe France Bakers on opening day of the 2015 Aspirants Cup with the Bakers racing to an early 31-9 lead, which MP Hotel would never overturn.

Inexperience and unfamiliarity, it seemed, was the culprit for the forgettable performance. 

Siguro nanibago sila,” explained Bobby as none of the Warriors scored in double digits. (Perhaps they are not accustomed yet.)

The lone bright spot was Jumabon Bulac with 9 points and 3 rebounds.

Sa ngayon kasi wala pa sila naka-tune-up dito. Siguro next game marami kami i-adjust sa team, sa players.” (For now they have yet to tune-up against other teams here. Next game we’ll probably have a lot to adjust with the team, with the players.)

Bobby has trained closely with the team in General Santos City and a long road awaits them if they are to set foot in the finals.

Mag-adjust kami sa plays namin sa practice and sa training namin for next game,” he said. (We will adjust our plays in practice as well as our training for next game.) 

Will Manny, who is also a playing coach for PBA team KIA Sorento, ever be on hand for MP Hotel?

Si Manny kasi sa ngayon busy siya so ako nagha-handle kaya ako nakatutok ngayon sa team,” Bobby explained, referring to Manny’s preparations for his upcoming fight against Chris Algieri on November 23. (Manny is busy right now so I handle and look after the team.) 

Though Bobby did say that Manny will offer his support to the team once his bout is over.

Dito palagi yun, support yun sa practice or sa game. May training lang kasi and busy lang talaga.” (He’ll always be here, he’ll support during practice or during the game. He just has training right now so he’s busy.) 

Manny made his PBA debut last October 19 where KIA won at the expense of former D-League champions Blackwater Elite.

The Warriors next see action on Thursday, October 30 against Wangs Basketball. – Rappler.com

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