MANILA, Philippines -- Just three months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right rotator cuff, Manny Pacquiao showed he's back to fighting form, not on top of the boxing ring, but inside the basketball court.
The 5-foot-6 Pacquiao assumed the role of a marksman for Mahindra, firing a team-high 19 points, spiked by five three-point shots to lead his team to a clinical 108-69 whipping of Goldstar-Davao on Saturday in a pocket tournament in General Santos City.
Mahindra team manager Eric Pineda likened the Enforcers' playing coach to Marvel comic book hero Wolverine for his ability to recover fast from an injury that helped inspire a rebuilding Mahindra side.
"Kita mo naman, kundisyon na si coach Manny dahil naka-19 points," a beaming Pineda told Philstar.com on Monday.
"Parang Wolverine. Si Kobe (Bryant), it took him six months to shoot eh si Manny three months Lang," he said.
Mahindra, which underwent manpower buildup recently after acquiring Nino Canaleta, Aldrech Ramos and Rob Reyes through a three-team trade, is expected to meet GlobalPort in the Finals on Tuesday.
The Enforcers, according to Pineda, finished the single-round eliminations with a 3-1 record after beating two more teams from Davao, with their lone loss coming at the expense of the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Pineda said Pacquiao is pleased to have the veteran presence of Canaleta, a five-time PBA Slam Dunk champion, and a noted three-point specialist.
The amiable Mahindra team executive added that Pacquiao is expected to take an active role for the Enforcers next season, the reason why he has resumed playing basketball the past months.
The 36-year-old Pacquiao, who lost via unanimous decision to undefeated world champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. last May, played just four games when the Mahindra was still known as KIA last season.
The left-handed Pacquiao averaged just 0.25 point, 0.25 rebound and .05 assist in 6.5 minutes.