Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel has joined the growing list of NBA players who have marveled at the passion and determination by Filipinos to succeed in basketball.
Known as a defensive specialist, the 6-foot-11 Noel, who was in Manila recently for an NBA event, said Filipinos certainly have the traits that could earn them a ticket to the top leagues in the world.
“Filipinos have shown hard work and determination,” said Noel during the launching of the KFC East Meets West Fully Loaded Shootout at SM Mall of Asia recently.
“They play a lot different from the Americans, but the hard work and determination was definitely admirable.”
Aware of the Filipinos’ love for basketball, Noel felt he had to experience it himself.
“Unless you experienced it, you won’t be able to know how good it is,” said Noel. “But yes, there are a lot of good players out there just like what people who’ve come here told me.”
Noel engaged Gilas Pilipinas standout and current Rain or Shine stalwart Gabe Norwood in a free throw shootout as part of the launch.
“I’ve been a fan of his because of his defense, so I’m really thankful for the opportunity,” Norwood said of Noel.