As more players from the National Basketball Association visit the Philippines and watch Filipinos play basketball, the more they get to appreciate the passion for the game that Filipino fans have.
And this is what struck Denver Nuggets’ point guard Monte Morris the most.
Over the weekend, the 6’3” Morris joined retired National Basketball Association legend Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues in watching the the NBA 3×3 Philippine tournament.
Heavy monsoon rains kept the games from being played at the Mall of Asia Activity Center and so it had to be moved to the The Forum Tent of the Philippine International Convention Center.
“It just opened my eyes to how many people play the game and how many people love the game. I was in awe of the kids playing their hearts out,” said the 24-year-old Morris. “It was the best of the best. They played really really hard. I just like the way they played competitive basketball.”
Morris is in Manila after experiencing a breakout year during the 2018-2019 NBA season.
During last season, Morris, who is in his third year with the Nuggets, averaged career highs of 10.4 points and nearly 4 assists in 24.0 minutes of action per game.
With Morris in the team, the Nuggets were able to get a second-seed finish and a Western Conference semifinals appearance.
Morris said he will take his experience with him back as he continues to contribute to the Nuggets in their bid to have their best finish in the Western Conference.