Finals foes Curry, LeBron arriving; Rubio also due

Stephen Curry, Lebron James and Ricky Rubio. AFP/AP Photos

Another basketball superstar will visit Manila for the first time next month.

Sportswear brand Under Armour confirmed an Inquirer exclusive last June when it announced that NBA Most Valuable Player Steph Curry will arrive for a one-day stopover on Sept. 5 for an Asian promotional event.

“[The tour] is designed to connect Stephen with the people and culture of these diverse countries through up and close personal interactions,” Under Armour said in a released statement Wednesday.

The Inquirer had previously reported on Curry’s visit while the Golden State Warriors superstar was leading his team to the NBA championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Curry, who just powered the Golden State Warriors to their first NBA championship in 40 years, will also be in Tokyo (Sept. 4), Beijing (Sept. 6), Chongqing (Sept. 7) and Shanghai (Sept. 8).

“This will be an unforgettable experience and we have some special things planned for some of the best basketball fans in the world,” Curry said in a statement.

The prolific shooting guard’s visit will come just over two weeks after his Finals foe LeBron James of the Cavaliers returns for his second trip in Manila in two years.

James, a four-time NBA MVP, will arrive on Aug. 19 to serve as mentor of  Nike Rise, a basketball development program of the global shoe brand.

Also heading to the country for the first time is Spanish standout Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who will stop by for the Adidas Take On Tours from Aug. 21 to 23.