MANILA, Philippines — He may have registered his first career point in the PBA, but Kia playing-coach Manny Pacquiao continued to come up empty from the field.
Pacquiao is now 0-of-6 from the field this 2014-2015 season after missing two attempts against Talk ‘N Text on Wednesday, only his fourth game as a professional basketball player.
The WBO welterweight champion entered the game at the start of the second quarter and his first attempt was a jumper from the right elbow over Tropang Texters swingman Larry Fonacier that resulted to an air ball. Barely a minute later, he launched a 3-pointer from the top of the key that hit the rim, this time.
“Ranidel pagbigyan niyo na si Manny. Huwag niyo ng bantayan!” a man sitting behind the basket yelled at Talk ‘N Text forward Ranidel de Ocampo.
(Ranidel, give Manny a chance. Don’t defend him!)
Pacquiao, who is set to fight the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 in Las Vegas, played six minutes and 43 seconds. He also went 0-of-2 in the Carnival’s stunning 95-84 win over defending champion Purefoods.
Kia added the Texters to its list of victims with a 106-103 victory.
Pacquiao will also play for the Carnival against Blackwater on Saturday before leaving for Los Angeles, where he will kick off his training for the megafight.
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