PBA: Pacquiao reactivated by Mahindra, expected to play Sunday, report says

Pacman to inspire slumping Floodbuster

Will Manny Pacquiao's presence help Mahindra turn things around? Photo by Mark Cristino, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — It looks like Manny Pacquiao will play for Mahindra in its game against Alaska in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday.

The world champion and senator will wear his basketball playing coach's hat again when he comes off the team's reserve list, replacing Ryan Araña, a report on Fox Sports Philippines said.

“Yeah, he’s (Pacquiao) activated, and there’s a high probability that he’ll play tomorrow, and that would be an added motivation for the team,” Mahindra coach Chris Gavina told FOX Sports on Saturday.

Pacquiao hasn’t joined Mahindra's practices because of his hectic schedule as senator, but Gavina is expecting the playing coach to be in good shape.

Gavina said the staff will help to ease Pacquiao into the team's system.

“We always have a contingency plan whenever coach Manny Pacquiao plays,” he said. “We will just try to hold (down the fort) when he’s out there on the court and hopefully, we can use his energy.”

Pacquiao is the only active boxer and senator who has been playing professional basketball.

Mahindra currently sports a 2-6 record and is in danger of being eliminated in the Philippine Cup.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)