ALLAN THE MAN

Even as the team management is working out the PBA Rookie Draft issue that could hamper his entry to the league, Pacquiao appeared sure about his chances of playing in Asia's first pay-for-play league.

Jude Roque, team manager of NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, said such move will only subject the league and even Manny Pacquiao to ridicule.

In an interview with veteran sports scribe Eddie Alinea, Pacquiao said he has had initial talks with the “Big J,” the former playing coach of Ginebra San Miguel.

There’s a strong possibility that three more PBA players may be included in the 24-man Gilas pool being assembled for submission to FIBA as a requirement for accreditation to play in the World Cup in Spain on Aug. 30-Sept. 14.
The deadline for submission of the 24-man lineup is June 30. Only players from the 24-man list may be picked to comprise the 12-man roster to be submitted to FIBA by the second deadline sometime in July. Changes to the 12-man cast may be made during the team managers’ meeting the day before the start of the competition but switches are subject to approval of the organizing committee with a penalty fee of $3,200 for every player. Replacements may come only from the original 24-man lineup.

Tournament director Joey Guillermo said the 25-year-old Anderson is set to enroll in a home study program of the General Santos-based school, making him eligible to play for the Wildcats.