SENATOR Manny Pacquiao was no doubt the center of attention even if reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines (Uaap) men's basketball champion De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, playing for The Royal Mandaya Hotel (TRMH), defeated his team, 113-76, at the start of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival Commercial Invitational Basketball Tournament held at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC) that was filled to rafters Thursday, March 23.
The Green Archers themselves did not wait for the final buzzer as they sought for photo opportunities with the eight-division world champion who gamely posed with them and smiled before cameras. Fans from the bleachers also trooped to the court for a chance to have a moment with Pacquiao who was limited to one point in the game.
Pacquiao, in an interview with SunStar Davao after the game, said he enjoyed playing for Dabawenyo fans.
“Enjoy, maraming tao. Nakapaglaro ako dahil bakasyon sa Senate. Sisikapin ko baka makakapaglaro parin ako bukas (there are many people. I was able to play because of vacation from Senate. I’ll try if I will be able to play tomorrow),” Pacquiao said, adding that he's been supportive of Davao City sports programs, particularly basketball, since he's been fielding teams to the city's leagues in recent years aside from also having a boxing promotions and training gym here.
He said, “Kaibigan ko mga namamahala dito kaya sumusuporta ako (The people in-charge are my friends that’s why I’m supporting them).”
Jollo Go led the Aldin Ayo-coached Green Archers with 17 points including five triples while Aljun Melecio and Ben Mbala chipped in identical 12 points.
Former GlobalPort Batang Pier player Sunday Salvacion drilled in 18 points for the Pacman Warriors.
TRMH-DLSU coach Ayo said they started low and adjusted well to open their Araw ng Dabaw title-retention bid on a high note.
“This is our first league after winning the Uaap title. Almost three months kaming walang liga (we don’t have a league). Hopefully we can get our rhythm, shake off rust at lumabas ang laro namin sa mga succeeding games namin (and show our play in the succeeding games),” Ayo said, also identifying the National University Bulldogs and University of the Philippines Maroons as tough rivals in the cagefest presented by the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
He, however, did not discount the commercial teams that have veterans and seasoned players in their rosters.
Ayo, who has been to the city three times this year and five times last year, also said that the “very competitive” Davao league has helped DLSU's Uaap campaign towards a title victory.
“Gusto namin every time we play basketball dito sa south kasi very physical, ganun ang sistema namin (We wanted to play basketball in south since we’re very physical, that’s our system),” Ayo said as he also appreciated Dabawenyos' hospitality.
Games were still being played as of presstime.