Pacman as Kia’s playing coach?

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao yesterday said his stint with newcomer Kia Motors in the PBA is already a done deal.

Pacquiao said he had come to terms with Kia to serve as the team’s playing coach.

“Yes, maglalaro ako sa PBA sa October (Yes, I will play in the PBA in October),” the 35-year-old Pacquiao told sports portal Spin.ph.

“Playing coach ako (I’m the playing coach),” Pacquiao added.

He told Spin.ph that the agreement was reached during a meeting with Ginia Domindo of Columbia Motors, the Kia distributor in the country.

“Wala pang pirmahan pero okay na kami (No signing yet but we’re okay),” he said. 

Meanwhile, the PBA reiterated Pacquiao will always be a welcome addition to the league but, like anyone else, has to go through the process if he plans to play.

“All rookie hopefuls have to apply for the draft. Once included in the final list of draft applicants, they go through the draft exercise,” said PBA operations chief Rickie Santos.

“All the teams would have a shot at him (Pacquiao) if ever,” added Santos.

PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said the league board, during its last meeting, didn’t grant “direct hire concession” to any of the three expansion teams.

“Hindi siya pwedeng derecho agad sa Kia, unless the board later on decides to give Kia a special concession,” Marcial said.

The 2014 Rookie Draft is set Aug. 24 at Robinson’s Place Manila. Before the draft, Kia, NLEX and Blackwater will go through lottery to determine order for Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 draft rights.