Pacquiao's cousin out to prove he's PBA worthy

MANILA, Philippines – Even without boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who is bidding to add playing-coach to his resume, Pacquiao still managed to stir media frenzy in the PBA Draft Combine as the spotlight turned to his cousin during the final day of the camp on Tuesday at the Gatorade Hoops Gym.

A virtual unknown leading to the days of the two-day PBA Draft Combine, which showcased the league’s rookie hopefuls, Rene Pacquiao caught everybody’s attention not only with his surname but also with his lone basket during his 1-of-4 outing in almost 14 minutes of play.

He missed his first three shots including two attempts from beyond the arc but compensated for it on the defensive end with two rebounds and aggressiveness to play defense. He was having a terrible offensive game until late in the scrimmage.

In one sweet move at the post, Rene faked off his defender before spinning beautifully for an up-and-under layup.  That was enough to prove that he can actually play ball and not just in it because he is tall and the popular surname that he carries. 

Without recognizing that he is a Pacquiao, Rene looks every inch a basketball player. He is tall unlike his cousin Manny.

Rene is listed as a 6-5 forward but was officially measured as 6-3 ½ and weighs 92 kg or almost 203 lbs with a 6-4 wing span and almost 30 inch (standing) vertical leap.

Raised in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Rene inherited his height from the side of his mother. He said his mother stands around 5-9 while his father, Manny’s uncle, stands 5-4.

He was scouted back in high school and moved to Cebu to play college ball in Southwestern Universtiy Cobras. He claimed that he played the 3 and 4-spot during his stint with the Cobras in the CESAFI league from 2007 to 2011.

But after college, unfortunately for him, he bounced from league to league and had a forgettable stint in the PBA D-League that made him put his PBA dream in the backburner.  

“Naglaro ako sa Hog’s Breath [Café Razorbacks] sa PBA D-League tapos hindi ako ginamit kaya parang nawalan ako ng gana. Umuwi ako sa Cebu at mga larong labas na lang nilaruan ko,” Rene told reporters that swarmed him after the scrimmage.

He was already content in playing in the minor leagues in Visayas until a phone call from his cousin Manny changed his fortunes.

“Tinawagan ako ni [Cong.] Manny na pumuntang Maynila at sumali sa pa-tryout ng PBA. Excited ako kasi pangarap ko talagang makalaro sa PBA,” said the younger Pacquaio.

Even with the promise of his cousin that he will pick him in the draft, Rene still worked his butt off in the camp wanting to prove that he deserves a spot in the pro league.

“Ipapakita ko yung best ko, lahat. Kasi opportunity na ‘to eh. Pangarap ko talagang makapag-PBA,” he added.

After Manny Pacquiao, Kia’s next turn to select him will be in the second round (24^th pick).

Rene thought his PBA dream has already been knocked out last year. But with his cousin Manny taking his dip into the PBA as a playing-coach, he now has that puncher’s chance to make his dream come true.