A PACMAN-JAWO TANDEM FOR KIA?
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 May 2014
Jaworski.
A pair of sports legends sitting on the Kia bench?
Yes, expect a Manny Pacquiao-Robert Jaworski coaching tandem when Kia Motors plunges into action in the coming 40th Season of the country?s only professional league, the Philippine Basketball Association, next year.
Pacquiao, the only man in planet earth to win 10 world titles in eight weight divisions and four lineal belts in as many categories, himself said he and local basketball?s living legend, have started talking on the possibility of Jaworski working hand-in-hand with the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight titlist on the bench as a coaching consultant.
?Or beyond the bench, if negotiations come to a fruitful end,? Pacquiao told this writer in an overseas telephone conversation from Malaysia where is currently working on several projects he is embarking with the Malaysian government and private sectors as lone representative of Sarangani Province in the House of Representatives.
In their initial talks sometime last week, Pacquiao disclosed that the immensely popular Jaworski sounds amenable to the idea.
?Marami pa akong naiisip na puedeng gawin ni Pareng Jawo para makatulong sa soon-to-be formed Kia team at sa kompanya mismo,? the Pacman said. ?And if he will agree, such planned partnership can go beyond coaching.?
?Si Pareng Jawo is the most successful playing-coach that came out, not only of the PBA, but Philippine basketball as a whole, kung kaya nga naisip ko na marami siyang maitutulong sa lahat na aspeto ng sport na papasukin ng Kia,? Pacquiao and Jaworski are kumpadres, having stood as co-principal sponsors in a wedding of a cancer patient they both helped survived, said.
Whatever expanded role the former playing-coach of the popular Barangay Ginebra is hoped to be finalized when both of them return to the country next week. Jaworski is currently in the United States and is expected to be back this weekend.
Pacquiao also announced the appointment of former ace sentinel Glenn Capacio as his assistant coach. He said he is still scouting on who will assist him in the offensive aspect of the game.
?I have several names in mind, mga former slashers, three-point shooters at team men at mga top rebounders. Lahat sila naging PBA MVP.
Sa bench pa lang all-star na,? he said, chuckling over the phone. ?Malalaman nyo rin ang mga yun sa darating na araw.?
Pacquiao, likewise, allayed fears expressed by several sectors that his entry in a competitive league as the PBA might jeopardized his boxing career.
?No, I?ll make sure na hindi ako ma-injure ng grabe para mahinto sa boksing,? the father of five with Sarangani Vice-Gov. Jinkee assured.
?They have nothing to worry. I?m more of a boxer than basketball player.? I want to play basketball because, outside of boxing, that?s the sport closest to my heart, too.?
?But not to the extent if risking my bread and butter which is boxing,? he added. ?Kaya nga gusto ko nasa tabi ko si Pareng Jawo.
Alam nya kung kailan ako dapat pumasok sa laro at kung kailan ako dapat lumabas.?
?I thanked those who expressed concern over my decision to play in the professional basketball. I understand the game. I will focus more on coaching rather than playing especially during crucial games,?
Pacquiao explained, adding he would give more playing time to other players.
?Hindi ko na kailangan pang sumikat gaya ng sabi ng marami. Gusto ko lang talaga makapagdulot ng kaligayahan sa maraming tao, Pacquiao related. ? Nagagawa ko na yan sa boksing, gagawin ko rin sa basketball, the sport that is supposed to be the nation?s favorite pastime.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
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