Pacquiao makes professional basketball debut

Manny Pacquiao, the playing coach of KIA-Sorento, reacts as he calls for a foul during the first quarter of a basketball match against the Blackwater-Elite during the 40th Season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila October 19, 2014. (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco)

Manny Pacquiao, a playing coach of KIA-Sorento, is guarded by players of Blackwater-Elite during the first quarter of the 40th Season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila October 19, 2014. Pacquiao, a congressman and a world renowned boxing champion, ventured into the PBA as a playing coach on Sunday. Manny Pacquiao is scheduled for a title bout against Chris Algieri of the U.S. in Macau on November 22. (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco)

Manny Pacquiao, the playing coach of KIA-Sorento, is guarded by Alex Nuyles of Blackwater-Elite during the first quarter game of the 40th Season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila October 19, 2014. (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco)

Manny Pacquiao (L), the playing coach of KIA-Sorento, gesture as he joins his teammates during the opening of the 40th Season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games, against the Blackwater-Elite, in Bocaue town, Bulacan province, north of Manila October 19, 2014. Pacquiao, a congressman and a world renowned boxing champion, ventured into the PBA as a playing coach on Sunday. Manny Pacquiao is scheduled for a title bout against Chris Algieri of the U.S. in Macau on November 22. At right is Pacquiao's wife, Jinky. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS SPORT BOXING BASKETBALL)

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

October 19, 2014 - 10:16 am

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao made his professional basketball debut on Sunday, just a month before he is set to defend his WBO welterweight crown.

Pacquiao started Sunday’s game for the newly formed KIA Sorento of the Philippine Basketball Association but played only seven minutes and committed two turnovers in his team’s 80-66 win over the Blackwater Elite at Philippine Arena.

The boxing icon, who joined the pro league team as a player-coach, played in a preseason game earlier this month, finishing with one point and two turnovers after a 10-minute stint.

Pacquiao said after the game he would take a break from his KIA duties to focus on the defense of his WBO welterweight crown on Nov. 22 in Macau against undefeated junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri.

At 5 feet 6 inches (169 centimeters) tall, Pacquiao does not have the typical stature of a basketball player, but is a big fan of the sport.

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