Head Coach and player for the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) Kia Sorentos, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, has expressed his interest in recruiting National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran Metta World Peace.

In the recent interview with a Philippine network, Pacquiao said that he liked the idea of World Peace as the import, saying that he is a good player and that he knows him personally.

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The PBA has certain rules on imports. While each team requires one import pure-foreign player in the team, that import must not exceed the height of 6'9 in the league's Commissioner's Cup, and 6'5 in the Governor's Cup.

World Peace is 6'7 and could be the Sorentos' reinforcement for future conferences, Pacquiao said.

While his plans are big for the team, Pacquiao must first deal with the All-Filipino Conference as the PBA season begins on October.

Previously known as Ron Artest, World Peace was a professional basketball player in the NBA, having played for the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, to name a few, but ultimately found success with the Los Angeles Lakers where he won his first championship.

He is well-known for his outstanding defensive ability. In previous years, he has won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year Award.

World Peace is currently playing for the Sichuan Blue Whales in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

There is also an air of oddity and controversy around World Peace. Early in his career, he was involved in an altercation where World Peace brawled with players and fans alike.

The Associated Press identify it as the most infamous brawl in NBA history. 

In addition, World Peace is in the process of changing his name once again. This time, to "The Panda's Friend."

Tagsmanny pacquiao, Metta World Peace, The Panda's Friend, PBA, cba