Allen Iverson may visit Manila soon

Former NBA superstar Allen Iverson. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Former NBA superstar Allen Iverson may visit the country soon.

Following a brief visit to Indonesia last October, Iverson, the 2001 NBA MVP, had expressed his intention of exploring Asia and the Philippines is next on his list.

Gary Moore, the basketball legend’s longtime manager, said commitments have yet to be made but he confirmed that talks are ongoing between Iverson’s camp and their management’s partner in the Philippines, Sports Network Management led by Sheryl Reyes, known import agent in the PBA, to bring the four-time scoring champion here again.

Moore also dismissed earlier reports of Iverson’s July trip in Manila.

“It is my desire not to ever confuse the public. Allen will not be available in July and as his agent, I have partnered with Sheryl Reyes and have complete confidence in her expertise as it relates to the market in the Philippines,” Moore said in a statement.

Moore also said that negotiations between his management firm and Reyes are being made to finalize the three-time All-NBA First Team member’s visit planned for the second half of the year.

“He (Iverson) knows just how popular the sport has become there,” said Moore. “We look forward to establishing a partnership with Moore Management & Entertainment, LLC and Sports Network Management bringing more basketball talent from the US to the Philippines.”

The six-foot Iverson, known for his on-court fearlessness and killer crossovers, also wanted to send love and sympathy towards the country after it bore the brunt of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan), which ripped through central Visayas last November.

“When we heard of the tragic event, it was like we had family and friend there even though we had never visited the island before,” Moore shared. “We hope to see everyone real soon.”

The 38-year-old Iverson, through Moore, also sent a message to his Filipino fans.

“Always realize that the Game of Life is much greater than basketball. Our character defines who we are. It speaks volumes about the type of person we are and how we [are] viewed by others.  So always respect one another as we respect the game of basketball that way you can truly enjoy both,” Moore said on behalf of Iverson.

Iverson had a celebrated 15-year NBA career and had his best moments with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team who drafted him first overall back in 1996 where he led the franchise to the Finals in 2001.

He last played in Turkey in 2011 before announcing his retirement October of last year. His no. 3 jersey is set to be officially retired by the 76ers on March 1.

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