Manny Pacquiao as next Blackwater head coach?

HAVE WE seen the last of Manny Pacquiao in the Philippine Basketball Association?

Don’t be surprised if the eight- division world boxing champion will suit up as head coach of a new PBA team — with the Blackwater Elite.

Team owner Dioceldo Sy told BusinessWorld in an exclusive online interview of their group’s intention to tap Mr. Pacquiao as their new head coach.

If ever Mr. Pacquiao, who also sits as a senator of the republic, agrees to coach the team, Leo Isaac will slide down as his assistant and will take over as coach during times that Mr. Pacquiao will not be able to attend the team’s games and practices, said Mr. Sy.

“If ever he agrees to coach, it’s more titular and inspirational for us,” Mr. Sy wrote.

“Leo will still be there. Manny is too busy. He will show up in games and practices every now and then.”

Mr. Sy also doesn’t see Pacquiao having confl ict with the soon- to- open Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League ( MPBL) if ever he joins them.

“Manny is just supporting MPBL. There’s no document showing he’s part of the MPBL. He told me that it’s just a barangay league and part of his love for the game and grassroots development,” added Mr. Sy. Mr. Pacquiao came into the PBA as playing coach of the Kia franchise.

As playing coach before leaving the team at the end of last season, Mr. Pacquiao had career totals of six points, four rebounds, two assists and five turnovers.

Blackwater, which came into the league as Kia in 2014, is determined to acquire the services of Pacquiao and Mr. Sy believes a partnership with him is possible just like their business ventures together.

“We’re partners both here and in China on the belt and road infrastructure projects in Asia, including the Philippines,” said Mr. Sy. —