By Jeremy Tueres
LEBRON James’ visit to the Philippines just proved that he is still the king of the sport.
Thousands welcomed “The King” during his appearance at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday as he treated his Filipino fans a sampling of his skills via his “Strive for Greatness Tour.”
“I said it two years ago that I was coming back. Last year, some unfortunate event happened but I’m back,” James told his thrilled audience, who chanted the Cleveland Cavalier superstar’s name until they were literally hoarse.
“I’m happy spending this time with you guys throughout my busy schedule, but there’s no way I wasn’t going to be back here in Manila this year and I’m happy I’m celebrating this time with you,” added the NBA superstar.
It was James’ third visit to the Philippines, known for its love for hoops and it was another love affair that blossomed.
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Considered as this generation’s greatest basketball player, the 32-year-old James electrified the MOA crowd with his thunderous dunks, just seconds after he entered the game pitting the young players of Gilas Pilipinas and a bunch of former and veteran national team players.
James fittingly closed the show with a windmill jam to beat the final buzzer before he was mobbed by the Gilas team, which won the game, 91-72.
“You guys are unbelievable and I thank you so much for being part of the LeBron James Tour 2017 and I hope you guys continue to welcome me because I would love to come back. There’s no way I’m not coming back here.”
James started his visit to the Philippines with a special training session involving some members of Gilas Pilipinas, followed by a quick press conference on Saturday at the Kerry Sports Gym at Bonifacio Global City.
He then proceeded to the Mall of Asia Arena for a wider audience.
He was to cap off his whirlwind visit at the Tenement in Taguig but was a no-show.
James left Sunday morning for China for the second leg of his tour.
