Pinoys world’s best fans – Howard; Rockets, Pacers get feel of MOA Arena

MANILA, Philippines - Newly acquired Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard relishes his second visit in Manila, which he once described as one of the best places he’d been to and where fans rank among the best in the world.

“I’m so excited to be back here in Manila. I always told people in the years I’ve been in the NBA, one of the best places I’ve been is the Philippines and I think they are the best fans in the world,” said Howard.

The Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets had the feel of the playing arena for the first time yesterday after their arrival Monday with the two teams taking the floor on separate sessions.

In between they fielded questions from the media to hype up the first-ever pre-season NBA game in the country as part of the league’s ambitious Global Games that would cater to international audience.

 â€œI’m looking forward for the game on Thursday and I’m very excited for this opportunity to be back here after a long time. I miss this place. I’m happy to be back to see all the beautiful people here,” Howard said.

He also talked about the Rockets’ strong chance of making it deep into the playoffs in the upcoming NBA season.

“I knew in my heart Houston will be a better fit for me because I really want to work with (coach) Kevin McHale and work with James Harden,” said Howard. “We will be a great team this year.”

The 6-9 three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year is raring to be back on the floor after a mediocre season with the Los Angeles Lakers, who failed to live up to the hype and promise with a first-round playoff exit.

But Howard assures the fans he has improved.

“I’ve gotten better. I can’t really say what aspect you’re going to see in the game, but I’ll say mentally I’m in a different place than I was last season. I think I’ll be a much better player on this part of my career than I was in the beginning,” said Howard.

Paul George, whose Pacers came a game away from unseating reigning back-to-back NBA champion Miami Heat last season, said he is ready to embrace his new role as the star of the team.

“I’m not saying I’ll score and defend more, but I promise to be more aggressive this year,” said George, who is only 23 years old but has reached Top 10 status in the NBA after a spectacular season.

Coaches Frank Vogel of the Pacers and Kevin McHale of the Rockets thought of each other as potential champions.

“The Rockets are a stronger team this year, they have a chance to win a championship this year,” said Vogel, at 40 is one of the youngest coaches in the NBA today.

“Indiana was already strong last season and with key additions headed by Luis Scola, expect them to contend,” McHale, for his part, said.

Roy Hibbert, who is Indiana’s best big man, said the Pacers have truly improved a lot.

“We’re definitely a better and deeper team this year because of Scola, CJ Watson and Chris Copeland and I’m excited of our chances and how far we could go,” he said.

Houston will be Howard’s third team in the last three years with former Orlando Magic insisting he has gelled with his new teammates in Houston. He added that that they have been enjoying their time together.

“It’s been great. The guys have been good and coaches have been great to me. I’m close with guys like James (Harden), Chandler (Parsons) and Jeremy (Lin), but we’re all a pretty tight knit group of guys. We all have fun with each other,” said Howard.

During the off-season, there are a number of teams that expressed their desire to land the most dominant big man in the NBA, but Howard chose the Rockets for their upside, especially the opportunity to play under esteemed post-player and head coach Kevin McHale.

“Houston will be a better fit for me and the opportunity to work with Kevin McHale on a daily basis was amazing to me. I also wanted to play with a guy like James (Harden). One of the best two guards in the NBA, he is also up and coming I think he will be great,” said the seven-time All-Star, who was wearing a yellow outlined shoes from adidas.

– With report from Aldo Avinante/Contributor