Towards the end of the NBA regular season last March, the League announced its plans to hold “Comprehensive Global Games” for the 2013-2014 preseason, continuing an already powerful hold in the international market for the greatest brand of basketball in the world.
October 10th will mark the first official NBA game in Philippine territory, albeit it being a preseason scrimmage. The newly-assembled Houston Rockets with James Harden, Jeremy Lin and Dwight Howard will play against Eastern Conference title contenders, Paul George and the Indiana Pacers at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Manila sports journalist TJ Manotoc tweeted after the Rockets signed Howard:
As a basketball-crazed archipelago, Manila has become a favorite destination of NBA players because of the warmth and enthusiasm from Filipino fans, and the country has become an oasis for these hoop heroes during off-season visits. For instance:
A few years back, Gilbert Arenas, who used to blog for NBA.com while serving as the franchise player for the Washington Wizards wrote fondly about his Manila experience. (Photos here)
“I was stunned. They made me feel like an NBA star… Any NBA players out there: If you’re having a bad day, or you’re having a bad career, go to Manila. They’ll bring your spirits up, trust me. I felt like I just won the NBA championship, to be for real. “
Back in (circa) 1998, a very young Afro-laden Kobe Bryant first visited Manila, promoting in Asian cities for his then-shoe sponsor adidas.
A few years later, Bryant led what is easily the greatest collection of NBA talent to the Philippines for two exhibition games against the Philippine Basketball Association All-Stars and the Philippine National Team, respectively.
Bryant had just wrapped up his annual Nike Asia tour, and came back to Manila with then-Laker teammate Derek Fisher, then-reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose, then-OKC Thunder big three Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, Denver Nugget JaVale McGee (who not too long ago announced his intentions to become a naturalized Filipino), arguably the best point guard in the world, Chris Paul, New Orleans Pelican Tyreke Evans and Minnesota Timberwolf Derrick Williams.
They were even greeted by our Fighting Congressman.
In the video spot below, even the three Filipino announcers admitted to having emotional highs, all because of how happy they were to see these great players.
The list goes on from that point. Rajon Rondo held youth clinics with Red Bull, and will probably continue to visit in future summers. And more recently, the King himself came over for the first time, and Manila was there to witness LeBron’s greatness.
Bron held his own Nike Asia tour, and even played in an exhibition with collegiate and professional players. His Miami Heat Head Coach, Eric Spoelstra, had apparently given him an idea what the Philippines would be like, but James was still overwhelmed by the adoration he received. “He (Coach Spo) said it’s a great country and [Filipino] people are passionate about what they love and what they believe in,” said James.
For those who may be unaware, Coach Spo is also half-Filipino, and a huge source of pride for Philippine basketball. Spoelstra is the first Asian and Filipino-American Head Coach in any of the four major professional sports leagues, and the first Asian American to win an NBA Championship.
James Harden also recently went back, this time with Pelican sharpshooter Eric Gordon for the NBA 3X event. Harden already has an idea with how the country reacts to NBA visits, and Filipinos were more than happy to see him.
Manila is behind me! I love the Philippines!!!!!! http://t.co/syB9tlMq8N
— James Harden (@JHarden13) July 26, 2013
And so while Manila waits for October, it is nice to see that the NBA and its players are getting to know the land of 7,100 islands and its passionate basketball following.
I just feel bad for most fans who can’t afford the high ticket prices, which became somewhat of a hot-button topic prior to the tickets selling out. (The lowest price was marked at Php 550, which is $12.69, and the most expensive ticket is marked at Php 32,000, or $738.68).
It’s not like the game is going to be incredibly competitive, since it is just a preseason contest.
[Photo credits: The Rappler | GotEmCoach.com | GMA Network Philippines]
