Who?s afraid of Kia Sorrento in PBA?
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 28 Oct 2014
SORRY to say this but, as things stand, Manny Pacquiao, the dedicated cager, honestly can?t hope to land even a tryout slot with the New York Knicks scrub team in the NBA.
Remember how promoter Bob Arum quipped that Pacquiao, preparing for his world welterweight title defense in Macau next month, could go seek a slot with the Knicks--but only after he?s done with his next big bout.
Arum was, indeed, kidding. Just the same, Pacquiao got his wish as he was allowed to dribble and fumble for six minutes in his Kia Sorrento team?s resounding debut before a record crowd of over 52,000 during the PBA season opening on Oct. 19.
**
Pacquiao, no doubt, was instrumental in drawing the tumultuous attendance to the Philippine Arena in Bulacan where his team registered the season?s first win over fellow newcomer Blackwater Elite.
That astounding feat sent certified hacks swooning and screaming that Pacquiao did deliver perfectly in his PBA debut.
At the same time, it caused countless gullible fanatics to think Pepito Alvarez, the Kia team owner, must be right in crying that Pacquiao critics would be eating their words because the boxing superstar, will next prove ?he is actually a very good basketball player.?
**
Kia, in that opening-day game, came from behind and caught up in the second half enroute to a win over Blackwater, but only after Pacquiao, as player-coach, had pulled himself out of the court.
Of course, Pacquiao deserved the big credit despite submitting zero stats in the opening day game.
Joy and fulfillment were written over his face during the Kia team?s victorious exit.
Alvarez was also overheard as saying Pacquiao should be able to show his full worth as a cager once he finds time to concentrate fully on his game after his Macau clash with Chris Algeri of the USA on Nov. 23.
**
As could be expected, experts who know a lot more about basketball than the overwhelmed Kia team owner, no longer bothered to dispute Mr. Alvarez?s strange claims.
Meanwhile, in its second outing, the Kia team got mangled raw by Barangay Ginebra in a one-sided contest that saw the Sorrentos nearly equalling the lowest score submitted by a losing squad in the PBA.
It would not be right to say that Kia fell in fragments after playing a mainstream team; but it was doubly hard to determine how the newcomer team could regain its footing.
Based on its limited worth, Kia would most likely be involved in a frantic race to avoid the league cellar against Blackwater, which had honestly submitted it would take at least two years before it becomes competitive.
There?s no hint whatsoever from Mr. Alvarez if they would ask Pacquiao to hurry back.
Something has got to be done, quick, in order to assure fans that Kia Sorrento is no lemon.
**
(FAREWELL FRIEND: There was a late-evening call (from Porong Cruz) the other day to announce the tragic news that Amando ?Manding? Gerona, 65, has passed away. The former Purefoods EVP, a well-loved son of Santa Maria, Bulacan, will be interred in the town cemetery tomorrow, Wednesday. Prayer please for this great and humble achiever. Paalam, kaibigan.)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 16 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 16 Feb 2026Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026