Advertisement

Manny Pacquiao makes pro basketball debut in Philippines

Kia Sorento player-coach Manny Pacquiao tries to split the double-team defense of Blackwater Elite during his pro basketball debut on Oct. 19.
(Noel Celis / AFP / Getty Images)
Share

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao made his professional basketball debut on Sunday in the Philippine Basketball Assn., and the best thing that can be said is that the player-coach led his team to a victory.

He did so primarily by staying off the court in Kia Sorento’s 80-66 victory over Blackwater Elite.

At 5 feet 6, Pacquiao isn’t exactly built for basketball, which is the No. 1 sport in the Philippines followed closely by boxing.

Advertisement

Pacquiao started and played less than seven minutes, failing to score while committing two turnovers.

He will now take a break from basketball to concentrate on boxing.

Pacquiao (56-5-2) will defend his World Boxing Organziation welterweight title against Chris Algieri (20-0) on Nov. 22 in Macau.

Advertisement