Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao on Sunday was drafted by KIA Motors in the professional basketball league Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), paving the way for him to become a playing-coach in Asia's oldest play-for-pay league.
According to Interaksyon.com, Pacquiao was drafted in the first round of the PBA Draft, making him the 11th overall pick. He was, however, not around during the draft proceedings held in Manila as he was out of the country for a multi-city press tour for his upcoming bout against Chris Algieri scheduled in Macau.
Pacquiao set a couple of records when he was drafted by the team. At 35 years old, he is the oldest player drafted in league history. He also becomes the shortest player in league history, and the first dual-sport athlete in the history of the PBA.
Aside from being a boxing champion and player-coach in a professional basketball league, Pacquiao also serves as the representative of Saranggani province in the Philippine Congress. He also dabbles as a part-time television star and is the country's top commercial endorser.
It remains to be seen how the eight-division champion will manage his time with his multiple duties. It is certain, however, that he won't be around to coach or play in the first few games of the expansion club as his fight with Algieri will be held on November. The PBA season opens in late October.
But his association with the expansion team goes beyond the basketball court, as his name gives KIA Motors instant recognition and publicity in the basketball-mad country.
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