Maech 3, 2023 - From Boxing to Basketball: Manny Pacquiao's Journey in the PBA

 Manny Pacquiao is a name synonymous with boxing, but many people may not know that he also had a brief stint in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). In 2014, Pacquiao became the head coach and player of the Kia Sorento, a team that was then making its debut in the PBA.

Pacquiao's entry into the PBA was met with mixed reactions. Some were excited to see the boxing legend try his hand at coaching and playing professional basketball, while others were skeptical and felt that his involvement in the league was just a publicity stunt.

Despite the doubts, Pacquiao remained determined and focused on his new role. He attended team practices regularly and put in the hard work required to succeed in a sport that was new to him.

However, Pacquiao's stint in the PBA was not without its challenges. As a coach and player, he had to balance his time between his duties in the league and his training for his upcoming boxing matches. He also faced criticism for his coaching decisions and his team's performance on the court.

Despite the challenges, Pacquiao's time in the PBA was not without its memorable moments. In his first game as a player-coach, he scored one point and had two rebounds in six minutes of play. He also made headlines when he blocked a shot by former MVP and PBA legend Asi Taulava.

However, Pacquiao's stint in the PBA was short-lived. After just one season, he relinquished his coaching duties to focus on his boxing career. The Kia Sorento, now known as the Columbian Dyip, continues to compete in the PBA, but Pacquiao has not been involved in the league since.

Pacquiao's journey in the PBA may have been brief, but it was a testament to his determination and willingness to try new things. His involvement in the league may have been met with skepticism and criticism, but he proved that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

While Pacquiao's focus remains on his boxing career, his brief stint in the PBA serves as a reminder that he is not just a boxing legend, but also a fearless competitor who is willing to take on new challenges and push himself to new heights.