FILE PHOTO — Glen Rice of the Los Angeles Lakers stretches his arms before his game against the Golden State Warriors 12 March in Los Angeles, Ca. (Photo by VINCE BUCCI / AFP)
MANiLA, Philippines — Former NBA champions Glen Rice and Brian Shaw and a G League player will join Filipino basketball fans in the first NBA Republika Playoffs Party on Monday.
The virtual event will be livestreamed beginning 8 p.m. on the NBA Philippines Facebook just in time for the keenly-anticipated tipoff of the NBA playoffs.
“As the postseason nears, it’s terrific to see the amount of work done by the NBA to continue the tradition of awarding an NBA champion,” said Rice. “I’m looking forward to the excitement of the playoffs and sharing this experience with Filipino fans by participating in the first-ever NBA Republika Playoffs Party.”
“Being a part of this event is a testament to how the league continues to innovate and redefine the NBA
experience for fans around the world,” said Shaw. “I’m excited to enjoy this event virtually with Filipino fans and share some of my own personal experiences from competing in the playoffs, both as a player and a coach.”
FILE — Head coach Brian Shaw of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game with the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 10, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images/AFP
The event will feature a combination of authentic NBA entertainment, interactive elements, and interviews with Rice, Shaw and Philippine basketball personalities.
Rice, who was selected fourth overall by the Miami Heat in the 1989 draft, played 15 seasons in the NBA and known as one of the deadliest scorers during his heyday. He is a three-time All-Star and a one-time All-Star Game MVP.
Shaw captured three straight NBA titles as key member of the Los Angeles Lakers and won three more with the organization as an assistant coach following his retirement. He now serves as head coach of the G League select team that features Fil-Am guard Jalen Green and Filipino center Kai Sotto.