Return of the king: LeBron wows Manila fans anew

LeBron puts on a show for his Filipino fans anew. Photo by Sherwin Vardeleon/INQUIRER.

Just like his two previous visits to Manila, NBA star Lebron James thrilled Filipino basketball fans with a dazzling display of skill, power and athleticism in an exhibition game highlighting his “Strive For Greatness” Tour at Mall of Asia Arena.

James’ five minute stint was met by cheers from an adoring throng as the three-time NBA champion and four-time Most Valuable Player scored on a wide array of powerful dunks to power Gilas Young Blood past Gilas Originals, 92-71.

The 30-minute exhibition game at MOA capped a whirlwind day for the Cleveland Cavaliers star who had earlier presided over a workout session with Gilas Pilipinas players and select media at Kerry Sports.

“I said two years ago that I was coming back, but unfortunate things happened and I wasn’t able to make it last year,” James addressed the crowd at MOA Arena.

“There was no way I was not going to come this year to Manila. I’m really happy to be here and to celebrate the time with you guys here. I hope you guys continue to work with me. Thank you for being part of the Lebron James Tour.”

James also dropped by The Tenement in Taguig where a mural honoring him was unveiled.

“First of all, I’d like to apologize because I promised to be back the last time I was here and it took a long time,” said James, who last visited Manila in 2015.

The exhibition game pitted the older batch of Gilas Pilipinas against the younger Gilas crew, which included the 6-foot-11, 15-year-old Kai Sotto, who showed nimble feet and a polished offensive game.

Sotto played alongside Kiefer Ravena, RR Pogoy, Ray Parks, Raymond Almazan, Matthew Wright and Mike Tolomia.

It also turned out to be a reunion of sorts for Gilas 2.0 members Jeff Chan, Ranidel De Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, Gary David, Jayson Castro and retired national team legend Jimmy Alapag.

But the array of local stars could not diminish one bit the spotlight and love Filipino fans showered on James, arguably the best —albeit also the most polarizing—player in the planet today.

During an earlier private training session, James also provided some inspiring messages for players and media people present.

“For me, it’s all about believing in yourself; uncertainties will come to your mind but you cannot stop believing especially if you put in the work,” said James.

“Sometimes you’ll feel that you’re not doing enough and if you get to that point just look at the mirror,” he added. “At the end of the day you’re the one who’ll control your destiny.” —WITH A REPORT FROM BONG LOZADA, INQUIRER.NET

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