It looks like the Manny Pacquiao-Metta World Peace tandem might not happen. No, don't think about boxing. That idea is crazy. These two athletes are rumoured to be teaming up for a basketball team that Manny Pacquiao built in the Philippines. The eight-division world champion is now a basketball player and a playing coach, aside from being a singer, actor, businessman, and politician. His team Kia Sorentos has recently joined the Philippine Basketball Association, the country's top professional basketball outfit, and he will serve there both as player and coach. Funny thing is he was the one who drafted himself.
Kia Sorentos will easily be one of the most popular teams in the country because of the Manny Pacquiao effect. As if that is not enough, the Filipino boxer will bring in reinforcement for his team that is equally popular because of his troubled character. Pacquiao recently named controversial and NBA bad boy Metta World Peace, now known as Panda's Friend, to be his import for the league's second conference.
The Philippine Star wrote:
"Si Ron Artest," said Pacquiao in his native language, using the 14-year NBA veteran's former name.
"Okay yun. Kaibigan ko yun (He's my friend)," said Pacquiao of the 6-foot-7 star, who showed up in a press conference in Beverly Hills to announce the Filipino's fight against Miguel Cotto in 2009.
"Kailangan namin ng magaling na import (We need a good import)," he added."
"We need a good import. If we get him that would be nice," he added.
Pacquiao expect to meet Panda's Friend in China where the former Lakers is set to play for CBA's Sichuan Blue Whale. The boxing champion will be there for his Nov. 22 fight against American Christian Algieri.
While the Pacman seems confident that he can bring in the NBA Bad Boy, Panda's Friend himself don't think it is possible. Metta World Peace spoke about the news that he's being eyed by Manny through a blog from Rant Sports.
He said:
Pacman and The Panda's Friend sounds like the ultimate arcade game. Manny Pacquiao is an international star, I have much love for the Philippines.
I am thinking of China right now and I am excited for this season as a Sichuan Blue Whale.
Alright, the Manny Pacquiao-Metta World Peace partnership won't happen anytime soon but Panda's Friend didn't close any door so, let's wait and see.
