Lillard set to return to Manila for summer tour

Damian Lillard. AP FILE PHOTO

Portland superstar Damian Lillard will grace the streets of Manila on June 14 and 15 as part of his Summer Tour during the NBA offseason.

Lillard, the 2013 Rookie of the Year, is returning to the country after two years since his visit with other NBA stars like James Harden and Kawhii Leonard for the Gilas Last Home Stand.

This is the first time, though that the no. 6 overall pick will get to interact with basketball-crazy Filipinos alone.

“Being such a huge basketball nation, the sport is basically part of the our culture, so every basketball athlete we bring in would instantly find that connection with the Filipino fan,” said Jen Dacasin, Brand Communications and Sports Marketing Manager for adidas PH, which is bringing Lillard here.

“We saw that when we brought in D [Derrick] Rose and Ricky Rubio in the past, and we’re expecting the same excitement when Lillard visits this June.”

No itinerary for Damian’s visit has been released.

Lillard finished the season averaging 25.1 points and led the Trailblazers until the second round of the Western Conference Finals before losing to defending champions Golden State Warriors.

A two-time All Star, Lillard was recently named to the All-NBA Second Team.