Minnesota’s Kevin Love hits town, ready for exhibition game

This post also appears on NBA.com Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love finally arrived in Manila and one of the first things in his agenda is to give back in the community by having fun doing basketball drills with the kids at the Manila Boystown.

A drizzle that made the basketball floor wet and unsafe for the kids to play with didn’t stop the event from taking place as they took the drills indoors.

“The kids were great today. I know what it’s like growing up and to looking up to different stars, pro and college athletes,” Love said.

Kids from the Manila Boystown were all smiles as they saw the 6’10” Minnesota Timberwolves power forward interact with them through passing and dribbling drills. Some of them even tried to jump as high as they can just to get a high five.

For Love, it is his first time here in Manila and being the ambassador for the NBA and the sport of basketball, giving back in every country that he goes to is always a must.

“The NBA cares! We always love to give back in different ways. The NBA is continuing to expand and basketball has become a global game. It continues to be one of the most popular sports in the entire world so to give back to the community is always a big thing for us,” he said

In a display of hospitality at its finest, the Filipinos gave a warm welcome to the visiting NBA star. The basketball crazed community gave love to Kevin Love and he quickly felt it by just looking at the smiles and the star-struck eyes of the kids.

“It’s my first time in the Philippines and my first time in Manila. The people have been great so far,” Love enthusiastically said.

One of the most popular basketball athletes in the Philippines, Chris Tiu of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters joined Love in Manila Boystown as they not just thought the kids to play basketball but also to teach them proper hygiene.

For Tiu, it was the second time that he saw and interacted with Kevin Love and the Master Game Face challenge was made more special with his presence.

“Apparently, many years ago, we were in the same training camp in LA before he joined the draft.  I saw how Kevin worked and we really respected and admired that and it’s no surprise where is at right now in the NBA. It is a special honor to have him here with us,” Tiu said.

Love, will be taking part In the Master Game Face Challenge on Saturday, June 21, at the Araneta Coliseum. Aside from Tiu, he will be joined by other PBA stars such as Marc Pingris, Mike Cortez, Jay Washington, Sol Mercado, Alex Nuyles, Gary David, RR Garcia, JC Intal, Jared Dilinger, Jeric Teng and Paul Artadi to name a few.

Love will highlight the All-Star game’s opening and halftime shows with his signature moves and will challenge top 3-point shooters Chan and Ferrer.