Ex-NBA star arrives today

MANILA, Philippines - Legendary New York streetballer and 13-year NBA veteran Stephon Marbury is arriving in Manila today from Kuala Lumpur for a brief visit arranged by his Asian agent Sheryl Reyes. Marbury, who now plays in China, is scheduled to meet media at the National Press Club tomorrow morning then attend a Fans Day at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies in Pasay City in the afternoon.

Reyes said Marbury is excited to discuss business opportunities involving his low-cost “Starbury” basketball shoe with possible distributors in the country. The shoe was introduced in the US market in 2006 at a retail price of only $14.98 a pair.

“We’re in talks with prospective distributors,” said Reyes. “When the ‘Starbury’ was launched, it took the market by storm because of its low cost. It was Stephon’s way of making available his kind of shoes to athletes who couldn’t afford high-ends. That’s how he is. Stephon has a soft spot in his heart for the less fortunate. It’s also why he chose to appear at the National Press Club. He wants to help the surviving families of journalists who’ve been martyred. At the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, he’ll be honored by the Pastor family for his contributions to the sport and we expect at least 200 students to welcome him. We’re also arranging for one-on-one interviews with media.”

Reyes said Marbury, 36, has become such a hoop hero in China that owners of the Beijing Ducks, whom he plays for, erected a statue in his honor. “Stephon’s contract is good until October but we’re looking at an early renewal to sign a three-year extension,” said Reyes. “They love Stephon in China. He led the Ducks to the 2011-12 Chinese league title and was the MVP in the All-Star Game in 2010. He was only supposed to fly in for a stopover but decided to stay until he goes back to China on Wednesday morning.”

Reyes said Marbury won’t play or conduct clinics here. “This is a short visit,” she said. “In Kuala Lumpur, he was invited to be a judge in a 3-on-3 tournament on the invitation of the Malaysia Dragons. In Manila, we’ll talk about putting the ‘Starbury’ shoe in the market by the end of the year. ‘Starbury’ has basketball and lifestyle models. I think it’ll be a hit with Filipinos who are cost-conscious, want value for money and like to use a shoe endorsed by an NBA star.”

The 6-2 Marbury averaged 19.3 points and 7.6 assists in 846 regular season games with Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix, New York and Boston in the NBA. He was Milwaukee’s first round pick in the 1996 draft, fourth overall behind Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby and Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Marbury was chosen ahead of Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Derek Fisher and Malik Rose. He played in the NBA until the 2008-09 season.

Reyes said she acquired Marbury’s rights in Asia because of her close ties with US sports agents. “When I visit the US, I make contact with agents,” she said. “One of the agents whom I’ve dealt with is Bill Duffy and he got me connected with Stephon. Last conference, I brought in seven of the 10 imports who started the Commissioner’s Cup. In the coming Governors Cup, my top prospects may not be available right away because they’ll be trying out in the NBA summer league. Maybe, they’ll come in as replacements during the conference if they’re not invited to the NBA veterans camp.”

Aside from Marbury’s remarkable playing ability, what makes him a media magnet is his history which has been chronicled in books, movies and magazines. Patrick Cassidy, writing in Dime Magazine, said Marbury’s history is literally printed on his body. “The story of his childhood, rise to stardom and the milestones of his life – namely the birth of his three children – are told in the tattoos he’s been collecting since he was a 14-year-old basketball prodigy in Coney Island,” said Cassidy. His body is heavily tattooed with symbols and words like “commitment” “excellence” and “Psalm:23” (on his right hand). The characters of his Chinese name Ma Bu Li and a heart beside “CHINA” are inscribed on his arm.

Marbury has apparently decided to end his basketball career in China. “The fans showed me so much love,” he said quoted by writer Wells Tower in GQ Magazine. “They gave me a second chance. A few years ago, no one would get near me. Now I got (a major US bank) wanting to invest $50 Million in my company. Man, China has changed everything for me.” This past season, he averaged 28.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.2 steals in the Chinese league. Marbury shot .588 from the field, .366 from three-point distance and .778 from the line.

Other players in Reyes’ stable are Asi Taulava, Alex Crisano, Jai Reyes and RenRen Ritualo. She also owns Willie Miller’s media rights. She said Taulava has two more years left in his San Miguel Beer ABL contract. “Asi would like to play for Ginebra but his rights are with Meralco,” she said. “Nothing is certain in his plan to make a PBA comeback. If no deal is worked out, he’s prepared to stay in the ABL where the grind isn’t as grueling as in the PBA, allowing him to spend more time with his family.”