Basketball Mania in Manila

7/30/2013 5:12:05 PM

Seems this basketball-savvy nation went nuts once again, eh? Well, there are lot of reasons why every single Pinoy basketball fan will be happy more than they used to.

Two years ago, MVP treated Filipinos in a spectacular basketball event, by which everyone who were at the Smart Araneta Coliseum witnessed our national team and the selection team from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), collided with some of the best from the National Basketball Association (NBA), the squad which featured the triumvirate of superstars in Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant.

Fast-forward to 2013. What else do we got, aside from Alaska’s sudden romp to championship at the pros, Asi Taulava’s epic performance at the Asean Basketball League (which his stats were quite impressive despite his aging), and Blackwater’s stunning upset over dynasty-proven NLEX at the developmental league?

First, the FIBA is staging the Asian Championship in our home court. The biggest international competition held since the World Championships 35 years ago, and 40 years since the Philippines ruled the said competition in their home court. Fifteen teams vying for the continent's basketball supremacy. This may be our fat chance to grab a ticket to the 2016’s World Cup of basketball in Spain. That’s why the slogan for Gilas Pilipinas (our national team) is “Laban Pilipinas.”

Next is… well, is something that I will call as “superstar galore.” Basketball superstars from the NBA turned out to be our usual visitors during their off-season. It seems like the Philippines is another alternate venue for them to visit, aside from China and Europe. We used to witness Kobe Bryant coming here regularly, with other players like Javale McGee, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguadola, Dwight Howard, etc.

Well, three of the larger-than-life stars will be on the country within the period of three months. In fact, the MVP Lebron James was here in the metropolis last week, as he stages a Nike-sponsored event at the Mall of Asia arena. King James’ first visit turned out to be a huge hit among the basketball aficionados, as the ticket-giving event was really piled up. Fans fell in line for 2 days just to score a pair of seat.

In August 12, Kobe Bryant will be around the country once again. Also, Derrick Rose will be in the house too by September.

James Harden and Eric Gordon graced the NBA 3X 2013 at the Mall Of Asia’s Music Hall. It was a 7-division, 3-on-3 tournament organized by the NBA Philippines. Also, several contests and basketball clinics were held.

And last but not the least, a preseason game will be held at the MOA Arena once again. Filipino basketball fans will be treated for some NBA action as the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers will square off at the shores of Manila. It will be held at October 10, 2013.

So, Filipinos, you better go and brace yourselves for a whole lot of excitement coming up.

Author: slickmaster | © 2013 september twenty-eight productions