MANILA, Philippines—James Harden is back in town and he immediately let basketball-crazy Filipinos know that he’s arrived.
Harden arrived in Manila on Tuesday from China where he kicked off his promotional tour for adidas.
The Houston Rockets superstar spent his day at University of the Philippines in Quezon City where he met the Pilipinas Warriors, the country’s national wheelchair basketball team.
The 2018 NBA MVP also shared some on-court tips with young Filipino ballers and entertained them by showcasing with one of the things he does best: Knock down 3-pointers.
“This is my fourth time in the Philippines and every time I come I have an amazing time. Obviously, you guys have a different type of respect, love and passion for the game of basketball so it makes me want to continue to come back. Thank you guys. I hope I can continue to inspire you. Keep having dreams and keep chasing dreams,” Harden said in a video posted by ESPN5’s Lyn Olavario.
The 29-year-old Harden, one of the most electrifying players today, holds a press conference Wednesday before meeting some of avid Filipino fans at SMX Convention Center.
Harden, a seven-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA First Team member, is coming off another scintillating season where he led the league in scoring for the second straight time averaging 36.1 points per game.
The 29-year-old guard and the Rockets were knocked off by the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals in six games.
Harden finished second place in the MVP voting this year behind the Milwaukee Bucks’ two-way sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo.