MANILA, Philippines – Smart Gilas Pilipinas team captain Chris Tiu sees the exhibition match against the NBA stars as nothing but a treat to the fans.
“We can’t really do much against the best players in the world, given their size, skill, IQ and athleticism,”’ said Tiu. “But we will still play hard and try our best to give Pinoy basketball fans a great show.”
A stellar cast of NBA players starring Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers, reigning MVP Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets will be in town to battle the national team on July 24 at the Araneta Coliseum.
The eight-man NBA squad will take on a Philippine Basketball Association selection a day before, also at the Big Dome.
Completing the NBA roster are Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings, James Harden of the Oklahoma Thunder, Derek Fisher of the Lakers and rookie Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
MVP Sports Foundation executive director and Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes announced on Monday that DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers would not be able to make the trip due to passport issues.
Jordan Farmar of the New Jersey Nets has been seen as a possible alternate, a source told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
MVP Sports Foundation put up the blockbuster event for the benefit of athletes from sports supported by the organization, and as a treat from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president and Smart-PLDT chair Manny V. Pangilinan, who celebrated his birthday on July 14.
“What the MVP Foundation has done is just unbelievable,” said Tiu.