Pacers coach Vogel and star George fall in love with Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The Indiana Pacers are just as ecstatic to be in the country as the Filipino basketball fans for the NBA Global Games.

Pacers head coach Frank Vogel and star swingman Paul George lauded Manila and its love for basketball.

“I love it. I just love it that the NBA game is so global and the support here in the Philippines and in Taipei where we were there before globally is just a little overwhelming for me and it’s something that’s a little fascinating and something that I really embrace. It’s just so good for our game,” said Vogel during the media availability Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. “People here in Asia are just a fan of the NBA.”

“I like it. I love this country. I got a neighbor that their parents were from here and she told me a lot about it, and everything that she told me has come true coming over here, people are really nice. It’s such a beautiful city and we’re excited to be here. It’s a little warm but that’s okay, I don’t mind warm. I’m not a cold weather guy so I like the warm weather,” added the 40-year-old Vogel.

Paul George (left) talking to David West during the Indiana Pacers’ practice at the Mall of Asia Arena for Thursday. Photo by Celest Flores/INQUIRER.net

The six-foot-nine George, one of the fast rising stars in the league, was also honored to be in town and be part of a historical sporting event.

“It means a lot. It’s great that the NBA has brought basketball to this country,” said George, who led a Pacers team last season that went just a game away from making the Finals, after their first practice here since arriving Monday morning. “It’s a phenomenal country, riding to our hotel, we’ve seen all the basketball courts right outside of it so it’s huge out here. For us to be the first ones to play it’s special.”

The Pacers will play against the Houston Rockets in the first ever NBA game here on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.