Pacquiao remains scoreless in PBA, but undeterred

MANILA, Philippines — KIA playing coach Manny Pacquiao does not feel frustrated over his inability thus far to score a point in a regular season Philippine Basketball Association game. 

The 35-year-old 8-division boxing champion turned rookie guard admits he doesn’t mind not making any of his shots or even attempting just a pair in the two games he has played so far in the pro basketball league. 

“Wala naman (akong gigil para maka-score),” Pacquiao said after KIA fell short against Meralco, 99-93, on Wednesday, December 3. (I have no frustrations.) 

Pacquiao, who started for his team both times he played, attempted only two shots on Wednesday night, both from downtown, and missed both. His second attempt nearly rattled in but rimmed out to the dismay of the crowd. 

He never attempted to shoot during his PBA debut last October 19.

“Okay lang. Actually malalayo naman yung mga tira ko kanina,” he said lightly. (It’s okay. Actually, my shots were not even close earlier.)

(RELATED: Marquez: Pacquiao-Mayweather should happen, but Mayweather wins)

Pacquiao played for the first 6 minutes and 30 seconds of the contest before being subbed out at the 5:29 mark of the first, when KIA was trailing by 23-6. 

Though a good motivator, Pacquiao’s presence on the court, however, has not yielded positive results for his team. 

KIA was -17 with Pacquiao on the floor against Meralco and -26 in his total playing time of 13 minutes and 44 seconds, which includes his first game on opening day versus Blackwater, per PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III. 

The WBO welterweight champion also registered two rebounds, a turnover and a foul. 

That foul was against the 6-foot-5 Jared Dillinger, whom the 5-foot-6 Pacquiao went up against and gave up a hard foul to prevent him from scoring.

The Congressman of Sarangani was seen laughing after the foul. He admitted in jest that it was because he did not realize Dillinger’s size right away. 

“Malaki pala yung tinapalan ko,” he said laughing. (It turns out I fouled a huge guy.)

With the loss, KIA is officially out of playoff contention. They also dropped their 9th straight game after winning their opening tiff versus Blackwater.

KIA’s remaining assignment for the Philippine Cup is NLEX. – Rappler.com