Manny Pacquiao a starter in PBA debut

(UPDATED: 5:39 p.m.) Manny Pacquiao made his professional basketball debut on Sunday, starting for Kia Sorento in the opening game of the PBA's 40th season.

At 35 years old, Pacquiao became the oldest rookie in league history.

The playing coach of the Sorento put himself in the first five against fellow expansion team Blackwater Elite.

There was much hype surrounding Pacquiao's stint, with the crowd at the Philippine Arena cheering him lustily during the parade of teams.

Before the game, a video featuring announcer Michael Buffer — "Let's get ready to rumble!" — was aired to hype Pacquiao's debut.

In a television interview at halftime, Pacquiao said he was heartened by the support of the fans.

"OK naman, masaya tayo at nagpapasalamat sa mainit na pagtanggap ng libu-libong fans dito," said Pacquiao, who didn't say whether he'll play in the second half.

"Depende, depende. Kasi kailangan din manalo."

Pacquiao did not return in the second half, but Kia still managed to come back from a halftime deficit behind the hot shooting hands of pint-sized guard LA Revilla.

Pacquiao secured special permission from trainer Freddie Roach to play in the game, with the understanding that the boxer will return to General Santos City on Monday to continue training for his fight against Chris Algieri. — JST, GMA News