Make way for the 'Bad Boy': Rodman due in Cebu today; to lead NBA Legends vs. SMC All-Stars in goodwill game

History beckons as former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman and the rest of the NBA Legends squad arrive in Cebu today for a goodwill encounter against the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) All-Stars this 7 pm at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

Aside from Rodman, making up the NBA Legends are Hall of Famers Alex English and Calvin Murphy, backboard-smasher Darryl Dawkins, Sidney Moncrief, and Otis Birdsong. They will be reinforced by four to six American imports.

The NBA Legends will go up against a slew of prominent figures in RP basketball during their prime that include Allan Caidic, Pido Jarencio, Ato Agustin, Vince Hizon, and Chito Loyzaga.

The SMC All-Stars will be beefed up by Tony Boy Espinosa, Bobby Jose, Ed Cordero, Joey Sta. Maria, Ronald Magtulis, Peter Martin, and Chris Bolado.

Upon their arrival this 10 am at the Mactan International Airport, the NBA Legends will immediately proceed to the Mandaue City Hall to pay a courtesy call on Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Z. Ouano.

Mandaue City Sports Development Commission chairperson Cheryl Ouano said they will be enforcing a very stringent security measure for Rodman and his entourage.

"Security will be strict. We will deploy some members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and utilize other available security forces to ensure the safety of Rodman and his party," said Ouano.

Billed as the "Bad Boy Tour," the event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the sports-loving Cebuanos as they are set to witness a bunch of legendary figures in NBA history showing their stuff right before their eyes.

Rodman, the flamboyant teammate of Michael Jordan during their Chicago Bulls days, owned five NBA championships and is a two-time All-Star. Known for his defense and rebounding ability, Rodman was considered perhaps the top rebounder of his generation and one of the best defenders at his position.

English, who was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1997, was a top scorer in the NBA throughout the '80s, averaging 21.5 points, and 5.5 rebounds per game. A seven-time All-Star, English's style has been described as smooth and elegant. Though he did not possess physical strength, he relied more on his technique and finesse.

Murphy, who was named to the Hall of Fame in 1993, had it all as a basketball player-expect for height. Only those who saw him play knew how big this 5-foot-9 dynamo was on the court. He was a penetrator on offense and a topnotch defensive player.

On the other hand, Dawkins gained the distinction as the first player to go straight from high school to the NBA. He was a fan favorite because of his backboard-shattering dunks. The current coach of ABA's Newark Express broke two backboards in the NBA 1979 season.

Moncrief, a five-time NBA All-Star, was known for his versatility on the court, particularly given his 6'4" stature, but was known for his tenacious defensive play. In 1982, he was named as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Tickets for the "Bad Boy Tour," a joint project of Mandaue City and the Cebu Province headed by Governor Gwen Garcia, are priced at P10,000 for the VIP, P5,000 and P2,500 for the ringside, P1,500 and P1,000 for the lower box, and P500 for the general admission.