Pacquiao will remain at Mahindra

Mahindra Enforcers team manager Eric Pineda reaffirmed Manny Pacquiao’s commitment as the team’s playing coach despite rumors of his possible move to the ASEAN Basketball League’s Powervit Pilipinas Aguilas which he co-owns.

The boxing champion and Sarangani representative have been rumored to concentrate more on the Aguilas, the new ABL squad based in Mindanao, which Pineda quickly denied yesterday.

“He will not do that, that’s improbable,” Pineda told The Bulletin.

“Congressman Manny is committed with Mahindra, he’s happy with the team. In fact, he will be joining the team when we play Sunday (against Rain or Shine) and in Dubai,” added Pineda, referring to the Nov. 6 game against Alaska.

Pacquiao had played in several preseason games for Mahindra, even scoring 19 points spiked by five triples against the Davao-based Gold Star in General Santos City last month.

The 36-year-old was placed on the reserve/injured list of Mahindra in the official roster, sparking rumors of his potential ABL appearance.

A source, however, said that Pacquiao’s role with the Aguilas remains uncertain at the moment.

Pacquiao was also a no-show during yesterday’s opening ceremonies of the PBA’s 41st season but a member of his staff, Jo Ramos, explained that his boss flew back to Sarangani after the supposed opener last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was postponed due to Typhoon Lando.

“There were affected families too due to the typhoon, so he went back there. If the opening weren’t cancelled, he would have joined the team. But he’ll be back for our first game,” said Ramos.

Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee was also scheduled to be the team’s muse but begged from participating yesterday because of another commitment.

She was replaced by singer/actress Jasmine Fitzgerald.