Filipinos were treated to two friendly matches between NBA players and our very own PBA selection and national team, the game with the nationals is still on as of this writing. The NBA players were no pushovers as most were All-Stars and A-listers in as far as basketball is concerned. The visiting team is led by 5-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose, and recent Team USA leader and gold medalist Kevin Durant. Also, starting for that team was All-Star point guard Chris Paul and slam dunking/shotblocking center Javalee McGee. Other players include Bryant's backcourt mate at the Los Angeles Lakers, Derek Fisher, bearded James Harden, Tyreke Evans and this year's No. 2 in the draft pick Derrick Williams. Some people were saying that perhaps, if there was no lockout in the NBA the sponsors could have brought in Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to be coach of the visiting team.
The first game was more exhibition considering how starstruck the Filipino players were and how conscious they were with their game. It was mostly open court basketball with lots of fastbreak points and alley-hoop dunks for the NBA stars. I found it a little irritating that those interviewing the NBA players were just too eager and too excited (masyadong kilig). Of course, who can blame them considering this rare opportunity.
Today's game was more serious with a more physical game and more organized ball movement from the national team. I guess the nationals just want to also show that they could play with the best and that they would be no pushovers. The game, after all, can be used as a tune-up for future matches as the Philippines prepares for the Olympic qualifiers in Asia. For the visitors, I guess they could treat this game as a good workout, a competitive one where they could sweat it out while also promoting the game in a country where basketball is tops. Below is one of the more memorable moments where Kobe Bryant passes to Derrick Rose for a slam.
Perhaps the MVP group, the sponsors for these games, could also lend a hand to Philippine football by bringing in a very good team to play a friendly against the Azkals. Perhaps that team should be one with which the Philippines share a little bit of history. After all, there's one team in Europe where a Filipino, Paulino Alcantara, holds the record for scoring - reigning European Champions FC Barcelona. Who knows, this might just be one of those tipping point moments that will give our football program a push.
The first game was more exhibition considering how starstruck the Filipino players were and how conscious they were with their game. It was mostly open court basketball with lots of fastbreak points and alley-hoop dunks for the NBA stars. I found it a little irritating that those interviewing the NBA players were just too eager and too excited (masyadong kilig). Of course, who can blame them considering this rare opportunity.
Today's game was more serious with a more physical game and more organized ball movement from the national team. I guess the nationals just want to also show that they could play with the best and that they would be no pushovers. The game, after all, can be used as a tune-up for future matches as the Philippines prepares for the Olympic qualifiers in Asia. For the visitors, I guess they could treat this game as a good workout, a competitive one where they could sweat it out while also promoting the game in a country where basketball is tops. Below is one of the more memorable moments where Kobe Bryant passes to Derrick Rose for a slam.
Perhaps the MVP group, the sponsors for these games, could also lend a hand to Philippine football by bringing in a very good team to play a friendly against the Azkals. Perhaps that team should be one with which the Philippines share a little bit of history. After all, there's one team in Europe where a Filipino, Paulino Alcantara, holds the record for scoring - reigning European Champions FC Barcelona. Who knows, this might just be one of those tipping point moments that will give our football program a push.
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