Pacquiao scores first field goal in the PBA

MANILA, Philippines -- The long wait is over for Manny Pacquiao. 

After going 0-of-6 in his rookie season, the Filipino boxing icon finally scored his first field goal as a professional basketball player in Mahindra Enforcers' first game of the 41st season of the PBA. 

Pacquiao was serenaded by cheers from a good Sunday crowd upon his entry at the onset of the second quarter and he did not disappoint when he hit a baseline jumper against Rain or Shine's Chris Tiu. The crowd and Mahindra bench went delirious when he hit the lefty jumper. 

Pacquiao's first official basket in the pro league came at the 9:59 mark of the second quarter. He only played four games last season and just registered one point off a split at the line. 

With his boxing career momentarily stopped by a shoulder injury in his last fight against Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Pacquiao vowed to be more visible at the Mahindra bench. But him suiting up for the game came as a surprise as he was put on the reserve list on the official lineups released during the league's press launch.

However, on Friday, Mahindra requested the PBA Commissioner's Office to re-activate Pacquiao in time for their season opener. And it was all worth it for Pacquiao with that jumper that put him on the history book of the league.  

When asked by Sports5 courtside reporter Mara Aquino on his first field goal in the PBA at halftime, Pacquiao humbly said: "Tsamba lang 'yun. (It was just a lucky shot)."

"Nagpa-praktis ako araw-araw at natuwa naman ako na pumasok ang tira ko (I've been practicing everyday and I'm happy that my shot went in)," Pacquiao added. 

Tiu, who was guarding Pacquiao, turned into a fan. 

"Na-excite rin ako kasi paghawak pa lang niya (Manny) ng bola, buong Araneta nagwawala eh.  Enjoy naman, the fact na makalaro mo si Manny sa professional basketball eh kakaibang experience na 'to (I got excited since the moment he touched the ball, the whole Coliseum was in pandemonium. I've enjoyed my matchup with him, the fact that you played against Manny in a professional basketball is already a different kind of experience)," said Tiu, a former national team player.