NBA stars call out PBA-bound Manny Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines -- Aside from playing against Gilas Pilipinas, the NBA stars, who are in the country for the PLDTHome: The Last Home Stand All Star Charity event, are excited to meet and even play hoops with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

The PLDT Fibr All Stars have call out Pacquiao to play basketball against them.

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry even showed what he will do if he faces Pacquiao on the hardcourt.

"[I'll] shoot over him," said Lowry during the press conference held at the NBA Cafe Manila on Monday afternoon.

"He ain't got a chance against me," Lowry added in jest. 

The rest of the PLDT Fibr All Stars, which included James Harden, NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, Terrence Ross, DeMar DeRozan, Damian Lillard and Brandon Jennings, ribbed Lowry.

"Hook shot," shouted the NBA stars on Lowry while answering the question from the media on what move he will do against Pacquiao.

The eight-time division boxing champion is bidding to become the first ever Filipino boxer to cross over to professional basketball after submitting his application to join this year's PBA Rookie Draft.

Pacquiao has already been named the head coach of PBA expansion ballclub Kia Motors.

Skills coach John Lucas, who will handle the NBA selection that will play Gilas Pilipinas in a pair of exhibition games, has called out Pacquiao to show up and pick a game against some of the NBA stars.

"We would like him to come out and take some of the guys," Lucas said.

Pacquiao watched Harden during his first trip in Manila in a similar All Star charity event which also featured Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Derrick Williams, Tyreke Evans, Javale McGee and Derek Fisher.

Harden and company are looking forward to see Pacquiao in attendance on the two-day All Star charity event for the benefit of Philippine Disaster Recovery Fund, Caritas Manila and MVP Sports Foundation.

Lucas reiterated his NBA selection's desire to size him up on the hardcourt.

"He can come out and play basketball with us," Lucas said.

"We won't box him out," assured Lucas.