Pacquiao back as playing-coach for Kia vs Purefoods

Manny Pacquiao. MARK GIONGCO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao will make his PBA return when his Kia Sorento take on the Purefoods Star Hotshots on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Pacquiao, the team’s playing-coach, played in the Sorento’s first game in the 2015 Philippine Cup opener last Oct. 19 but has missed the next seven games after shifting his focus on his training for his title fight against Chris Algieri.

The eight-division world champion retained his WBO welterweight crown with a dominating win on Sunday in Macau.

Kia shocked fellow newcomer Blackwater in the lone game Pacquiao has played but has since dropped seven straight games.

Kia team manager Eric Pineda said Pacquiao will see limited action with around five to six minutes of playing time.

The PBA, according to league media bureau chief Willie Marcial, will have a “tribute” for Pacquiao following his impressive win where he knocked down Algieri six times.

Pacquiao played the first seven minutes of Kia’s 80-66 victory over Blackwater. He wasn’t able to attempt a shot and committed two turnovers.

The Kia-Purefoods tiff is set at 7:00pm with the Hotshots gunning for their fourth straight win.

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