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
I remember the days when the then NBA Champion Washington Bullets came to battle some PBA All Stars. We got massacred. I also remember watching an exhibition game featuring Magic Johnson in 1995. That was the MOST AMAZING passing I had ever seen.
ReplyDeleteWow, some nice bits of sports history right there. you're lucky to watch them up. good for you. :)
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