Natuwa si Stern sa pagbisita sa Pinas

MANILA, Philippines - Nasiyahan si NBA commissioner David Stern sa suportang ibinigay ng mga Pinoy fans sa nakaraang preseason game ng Houston at Indiana kaya sinabi niyang  marapat lamang na sa Pinas gawin ang laro.

Dumating sa bansa si Stern noong Miyerkules ng gabi sa unang pagbisita niya sa Pinas.

“We’ve heard great things about the Philippines and how intense the country is about the NBA and basketball. But I tell myself the only way to really know is to be here to appreciate it,” sabi ni Stern, nagdiwang ng kanyang ika-71 kaarawan noong Sept. 22.

“The Phl deserved this and they got it,” dagdag niya.

Natuwa si Stern, malapit nang palitan ni Adam silver bilang commissioner, sa pagkahilig ng mga Pinoy sa basketball.

“The Filipino fans are extra-ordinary, they know everything. They’re rabid fans in a wonderful way,” sabi pa ni Stern.

Ang Pinas ang pinakamalaking NBA market sa Southeast Asia kaya nagdesisyon ang NBA Glo-bal Games na bisitahin ang bansa.

“The Manila experience was pretty good for the team. We played well against a great team like Indiana. It has been a nice and amazing trip in Manila. Good atmosphere and positive vibes. Fans were really great, and we had great interviews in the (MOA) arena,” sabi naman ni coach Kevin McHale ng Houston.

Magtutungo naman ang Houston at Indiana sa Taiwan sa ikalawang bahagi ng kanilang NBA Global Tour.