Boxing legend, congressman, and now player-coach of his own basketball team Manny Pacquiao has underwhelmed in his professional basketball debut in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

In his first professional basketball game with his team, the Kia Sorentos, Pacquiao - the shortest player on the team - put himself in the starting five shooting guard.

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The 50,000-seater Philippine Arena was full. The fans were coming to life and rallying behind the boxing champion with titles in eight different weight divisions.

Throughout the game, the fans were chanting Manny's name. Some irritated fans even started to shout, "Give the ball to Manny!"

The 35-year old basketball rookie did not play well though as is intended for a starting five member. Just like the pre-season games, Pacquiao was unable to make a shot. He also had two turnovers and a foul to boot.

After about seven minutes of play in the first quarter, the player-coach substituted himself out as his team was trailing by nine points. He spent the rest of the game on the bench, watching as his team orchestrated a comeback to win against Blackwater Elite, 80-66.

When reporters prodded him about his playing, Pacquiao merely waved it off and said that he was preoccupied with the defense of his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) welterweight title against undefeated American Chris Algieri in Macau this November.

The following day, Pacquiao returned to his hometown where he trains for his upcoming fight.

He adds that he will not be playing basketball until after the Macau bout, and that afterwards, he would be able to play properly.

Fans and his coach, Freddy Roach, is worried about Pacquiao being injured by playing with the younger and taller basketball players.

Pacquiao though is unfazed. He said that he did not fear the risk of serious injuries as God was taking care of him.

Tagsmanny pacquiao, Kia Sorentos, Philippine Basketball Association, PBA, Philippine Arena, Debut, chris algieri