MANILA, Philippines — Usually, national team mainstay Ranidel de Ocampo is strong enough to keep opposing players at his position from scoring.
But it wasn’t the case Tuesday night, not against arguably the best player today, LeBron James, who gamely put on a show during his “Witness History” tour before a starstruck crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
James swished three-pointers and step back jumpers and threw down dunks — including a baseline reverse dunk with De Ocampo at the short end of the highlight play — to the delight of the fans and even the players themselves participating in the 10-minute exhibition match between Team Gilas and Team LeBron.
“He’s really strong. I blocked him already and he didn’t even flinch. It’s like nothing happened,” Talk ‘N Text big man De Ocampo shared with a smile. “He still dunked that ball. I tried to stay with him but he was way ahead and beyond reach.”
Apart from De Ocampo and his fellow Smart Gilas Pilipinas teammates, young stars such as reigning UAAP MVP Ray Parks of National University and NCAA high school standout Kobe Paras of De La Salle Zobel also had the rare opportunity to be on the same hardwood as James.
“It’s unexplainable. It’s just a blessing playing on the court with the four-time MVP, back-to-back champion, back-to-back MVP and gold medalist. I look up to what he does, definitely a blessing and a privilege to be with him on the same court,” said Parks, who played with James for a good five-minute stretch.
“You really can’t describe the experience. He’s a legend, he’s the king but it’s a great experience for everyone and I hope that he may come back here again. I’m very grateful for this experience,” Paras said. “Ever since he was in Cleveland I was a LeBron fan so seeing him in person is really a dream come true. I really hope that next time I can get to play with him again.”
LeBron James. INQUIRER.net PHOTO
Paras, son of PBA legend Benjie, did not take part in the exhibition match but still was able to strut his stuff during the drills — including a one-handed dunk with James near the rim and sort of challenging him as he made the flush.
“The dunk, that was unbelievable. He’s a legend and I got him posterized,” Paras, who helped the country’s under-16 team bag the Seaba title recently, recalled with a laugh. “It’s kinda nice though, it’s a great experience and I’ll never forget this experience.”
James talked about being able to inspire others as a sports icon who also had to overcome hurdles ever since he was young.
And as he walked out of the arena after giving out signed basketballs to kids and his game-worn jersey, surely, thousands more were inspired.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He’s trip here means so much because he made a lot of people happy,” said De Ocampo.