Multiple boxing champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao was the first round draft pick in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He was the 11^th overall pick in the first round and will be playing for the new team Kia Sorentos.

Apart from new his new role as a basketball player, Pacquiao is also the WBO welterweight champion, politician, and congressman. He is also head coach of the very same team that drafted him.

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He was appointed as head coach by Jose Chavez Alvarez, the Chairman of Columbian Autocar Corporation, last June.

Later, Kia Sorentos also drafted Rene Pacquiao, Manny's younger cousin. Rene had played previously for the Southwestern University Cobras in the Cebu Schools Atlantic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI).

The elder Pacquiao, in explaining his draft pick choice, said that his cousin was 6'6 in height, does not play center, and has a keen three-point shot.

While he and his cousin officially joined the PBA as rookies, Manny was not present during the proceedings, as he was busy attending to the press tour of his upcoming fight with Chris Algieri.

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach expressed some worry at the new responsibilities that Pacquiao has taken upon himself. He cites his new role as a distraction out of the ring.

However, Roach has learned to accept the situation by coming to an arrangement.

Roach spoke to Pacquiao and said that four weeks prior to the fight, Pacquiao would drop all basketball player responsibilities to avoid injuries, and focus on training in the ring. He said that the deal had been cemented a long time ago.

As for Pacquiao, he cited that time management and self-discipline will be the keys he needs to successfully juggle all his responsibilities.

At 35 years of age, Pacquiao is the oldest player to be drafted in the PBA.

Tagsmanny pacquiao, PBA, freddie roach, Kia, Kia Sorentos