Globalport, Rain or Shine won’t draft Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Owners of the Globalport Batang Pier and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters ball clubs categorically said they will not stand in the way preventing boxing icon Manny Pacquiao from coaching and playing for Team Kia in the coming 40th PBA season.

“Who wouldn’t want Manny Pacquiao? But Manny Pacquiao who is a real Philippine idol and treasure is likewise the head coach of Kia. My team and the rest of the PBA teams should respect that,” said Globalport team owner Mikee Romero.

RELATED: Kia ready to march on in PBA without busy Pacquiao

“I think all the other teams, including Rain or Shine, respect the desire of Kia to have Manny coach and play for their team,” said Raymond Yu, co-owner of the Rain or Shine team.

Globalport and Rain or Shine have a clear shot at the playing rights of Pacquiao since the Batang Pier and the Elasto Painters are first and second in the draft order in the coming PBA Rookie Draft.

The eight-division Filipino world boxing champ applied for the PBA draft Friday. He’s set to become a second renowned boxer to also play organized basketball, following the footsteps of American prized fighter Roy Jones.

Apparently, the Pacquiao camp is reaching out to the other teams to let him be drafted by Kia in the second round of the draft.

“It’s important to note that Kia is reaching out to us,” said Talk n Text alternate governor Patrick Gregorio.

“Let us respect the decision of playing coach Manny to join the PBA draft. For the first time in history of the draft, the 11th or 12th pick is exciting,” Gregorio also said. “If there is one person who truly understands the meaning of world-class competition that is Manny. Let him compete in the PBA.”

San Miguel Beer governor Robert Non said they have no draft rights in the coming draft exercise, thus, they have no chance at picking Pacquiao.

As for the other teams, Non said it’s the coaches’ call.

“Any Filipino of Fil-foreign players who wants to join the PBA are welcome, provided they meet all the requirements set by the PBA. It’s up to the coach whom he wants to choose in the draft. It’s their call,” said Non.