Haddadi eyed as Kia import

Aside from being a champion boxer, businessman, and congressman, Manny Pacquiao is also a playing coach for rookie team KIA Sorento in PBA’s 40th season. (Photo courtesy of KIA Sorento Basketball Facebook page)

MANILA – Kia is reportedly eyeing for Iran’s Hamed Haddadi as its import in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Team officials are looking at getting Haddadi or another European player as the Sorento’s foreign reinforcement.

This is following the team’s elimination from the ext. Phase of the current Philippine Cup.

“Is he available? If he is, maybe… who knows?” said Kia assistant coach Glenn Capacio during a talk yesterday.

Haddadi is a three-time Most Valuable Player in the FIBA-Asia Championship. He was also player for the Memphis Grizzles in the NBA.

Suppose Haddadi, who is still under contract with his CBA team, is not available, Capacio added that they will seek the help of Smart Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman for possible contacts of players from the Europe.

“We already asked the help of Charles Tiu (Toroman’s assistant coach with Gilas), we know coach Rajko has contacts in Europe, maybe he can help us find an import,” said Capacio.

The coach also added that they are eyeing for someone who can score and play well.

“Somebody who we can depend in scoring, who can rebound and play defense,” Capacio said.

“But I still have to clear with Kia management, since my title is Assistant Coach, if I have the power to retool the team,” said Capacio.