Allen Iverson to visit Phl soon

MANILA, Philippines – PBA import agent Sheryl Reyes is in deep negotiation to bring former NBA player Allen Iverson to Manila.

Reyes, who was also responsible for bringing Stephon Marbury here last year and a slew of PBA imports including last year’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup Best Import Rob Dozier, is in constant communication with Gary Moore, Iverson’s longtime manager.

Contrary to earlier reports that Iverson will be making a Manila visit with other former NBA superstars for a series of celebrity charity basketball events in July, Moore communicated via email that they have not made any commitment of coming to the country with the travelling group of former players. He, however, confirmed that talks are ongoing about bringing Iverson to Manila in the coming months through their management’s partner in the Philippines, Sports Network Management, under Reyes.

“It is my desire not to ever confuse the public.  Allen will not be available in July and as his agent I have partnered with Sheryl Reyes and have complete confidence in her expertise as it relates to the market in the Philippines.  As it relates to Moore Management & Entertainment, LLC., Sheryl Reyes is our agency partner there and our working relationship should last for many years to come,” according to Moore’s official statement via e-mail.

The former NBA MVP knows how big basketball is in the Philippines. He is also no stranger to the fact that he has quite a big fan base in the country and is looking forward to meeting his Filipino supporters.

After a brief visit to Indonesia October of last year, Iverson, popularly known as “The Answer,” expressed he wanted to see more of Asia and the Philippines is next on his list.

But Pinoy fans of the 11-time All-Star would have to wait a little bit longer to rub elbows with the king of crossovers.

Moore added that Reyes and his Management are currently negotiating to finalize details for the former NBA scoring champion’s planned Manila visit for the second half of the year.

“Sheryl shared with me how popular Allen is in the Philippines. So he knows just how popular the sport has become there,” said Moore. “We look forward to establishing a partnership with Moore Management & Entertainment, LLC and Sports Network Management bringing more basketball talent from the US to the Philippines.”

Moore also shared that Iverson, the NBA’s first overall pick in 1996, also sends his love to those ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last November.

“When we heard of the tragic event it was like we had family and friends there even though we had never visited the island before,” he said. “We hope to see everyone real soon.”

Asked about what Iverson would like to tell his Filipino fans, Moore said on his behalf, “always realize that the Game of Life is much greater than basketball.  Our character defines who we are.  It speaks volumes about the type of person we are and how we are viewed by others.  So always respect one another as we respect the game of basketball that way you can truly enjoy both.”