MANILA, Philippines—The fans aren’t the only ones excited.
Apparently, the NBA stars set to arrive here Friday morning, led by scoring champion Kevin Durant and all-star playmaker Chris Paul, have also been venting their enthusiasm in the social networking site Twitter.
“Headed to the Philippines tomorrow night…I can’t wait! Are yall ready??” posted FIBA World Championship MVP Kevin Durant (@KDtrey5) of the Oklahoma City Thunder on his Twitter account.
“…in 2hrs WHEELS UP to Manila!!! Big S/O (shoutout) to the PHILIPPINES…On my wayyyy!!! #yesirrrr,” said Paul, who goes by the Twitter name @CP3, in his account.
But probably the most excited among the star-studded bunch are Durant’s comical teammate James Harden and prized rookie Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have been flooding Twitter timelines about their trip to Manila as of late.
“On this plane to the Philippines!!…,” exclaimed Williams (@RealDWill7), who was selected second overall pick by the Wolves behind former Duke standout Kyrie Irving in this year’s NBA Draft.
“We will try!! RT @BIG_Pham13: @JHarden13 Show us a great game here in the Philippines,” answered Harden (@JHarden13), who apart from his high-flying antics is also known for his fascination on growing his beard.
The six-foot-eight Williams also mentioned about wanting to meet pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.
“I better see Pacquiao too!” tweeted Williams, who carried the University of Arizona up to the Elite Eight of the 2011 NCAA Tournament before losing to the eventual champion Connecticut.
Sacramento Kings main man Tyreke Evans and Washington Wizards big man Javale McGee also expressed their delight at coming to town. “Just got finished eating lunch, finished packing for Manila. Gonna enjoy it,” said Evans (@thetyrekeevans), the 2010 Rookie of the Year, Thursday morning.
“…gonna find some cool place to plank in Manila!” posted the seven-foot slam dunk artist McGee (@JavaleMcgee34) on Twitter.
Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers and teammate Derek Fisher, though, have yet to put up their own Twitter accounts while reigning MVP Derrick Rose, who owns one, has yet to tweet about it.
The fancied US squad will parade their wares against the country’s best hoop players in the PBA All-stars and Smart Gilas Pilipinas on July 23 and 24 respectively in an event dubbed as the Smart Ultimate All-star Weekend to be held at the Araneta Coliseum.