In the days leading to the NBA Asia Challenge, I was told that ticket sales didn't seen encouraging. The press conference at Fiama changed that. Whether the NBA Legends were far from their prime makes no difference. It was an opportunity to see them on a local hardcourt and with PBA Legends too. Many Filipinos like me have seen a live NBA game many times over but the great majority of our countrymen have not. And the first big NBA event in Asia looking very successful will ensure that this will not be the last. Who would have thought... Vlade Divac, Dominique Wilkins, Tim Hardaway, and Robert Horry -- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the D-Leaguers too -- on the lay-up line at the Araneta Coliseum?
UST Growling Tigers Dylan Ababou and Khasim Mirza (along with fellow Atenean and Rebound guy Kenneth Ti) were my guests for the event. It was also fun for Ken and me to explain to them what the PBA was like when Benjie Paras, Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, and Ronnie Magsanoc were running the roost. We also had fun reminiscing about Smart Gilas and UAAP ball. Good luck to Khasim who hopes to land a spot with the Gilas team.
Jason Webb and Mico Halili provided color commentary for the game. Magoo Marjon and myself stayed behind them where the PBA's Radio Panel is usually situated. Good one guys!
The D-Leaguers were throwing down some nasty stuff during warm-ups. If you look at the PBA All-Stars in the back, they were star-struck and it showed. A fun time was had by all.
I've seen the New Jersey Nets' dancers before but this is a new crew with a different character. The Dunking Divas were quite a show with their beauty and talent. When they were on the floor everyone watched them. Shoutout to Siobahn!
It was great seeing Benjie Paras play again. We caught up before and after the game and he was grinning from ear to ear about the experience. The Tower ofPower scored 7 points and pulled down 4 rebounds. Great to see ya, Benj!
NBA Legends Coach Rory White was always a good interview. Very insightful and knowledgeable.
Former Fed Ex import Billy Thomas who is now with the NBA's D-League, Dominique Wilkins, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Rory White graced the 15-minute post-game press con. Great great interviews with these guys. And all throughout their stay, Dominique Wilkins was such a nice fellow when it comes to meeting fans and making time for interviews and photo ops. They were all unanimously impressed with Allan Caidic.
Billy Thomas caught up with former teammates Jeff Cariaso, Jason Webb, and others as soon as he arrived. This guy should get a shot at the NBA. Thanks, Billy.
When I interviewed Dominique Wilkins, he made sure to emphasize that he was more than a dunker. While it's not a bad memory, he showed that he was more than that in his game at the Araneta Coliseum. He topscored with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and dished for an assist. He threw down a couple of dunks but not those traditional windmills and double-pump throw downs. He was still fun to watch.
This was Kareem's fifth time in the Philippines and he really wished he could go get some sun in the beaches. He was here more as an ambassador for the game.
With GMA-7's rising broadcast reporter James Velasquez who has been a good friend. It is a real honor and privilege to know that I inspired him to do what he does. Last year when I stopped writing for Ateneo early in the season, he took up my slot in ateneo.edu. In a conversation with Comm & PR's Sonia Araneta, she asked, "Do you know who you are following?" James said, yes. "He's why I got into writing." And now he's taken his game to GMA-7 where he is getting the breaks. Am so happy for this guy. Thanks, bud and rest that sprained ankle! I have more pics but will save them for elsewhere. My Monday column in Business Mirror (that will appear here in Brew) will be about the NBA Asia Challenge.
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