No basketball for Pacquiao either as Kia playing coach recovers from shoulder surgery

Kia playing coach Manny Pacquiao will likely remain on the bench in the Governors' Cup as his right shoulder injury heals after his scheduled operation this week.

 

The eight-division champion tore his right rotator cuff in one of his sparring sessions in preparation for his megafight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Sunday. Pacman lost via unanimous decision, and his shoulder injury was revealed shortly after.

 

Pacquiao said in an interview for "Balitanghali" the recovery will take around four to six months, making him miss PBA's season-ending conference which starts on Tuesday.

 

"Bawal pa [mag-basketball]," he said. "Kailangan nating pagalingin muna 'yung katawan."

 

Pacquiao, who entered the country's premier basketball league this season after picking himself in the rookie draft, is still looking for his first field goal after scoring his first point via a free throw last conference.

 

He played 26 minutes in four games for Kia in two conferences, getting a measly two rebounds and an assist but serving as a huge motivation for the expansion team.

 

Kia won five games so far this season, four of which were against championship teams Purefoods, San Miguel Beer, Talk 'N Text, and Alaska in the Commissioner's Cup. -- Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News