NBA stars ready to strut wares in ‘Last Home Stand’

And so they came.

Finally, the biggest basketball game to hit the country this year is ready to roll as the first batch of international basketball stars showed up at the NBA Cafe at the SM Aura in Taguig for the Gilas Pilipinas: The Last Home Stand presented by PLDT Home to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum from July 22-23.

Familiar faces like the Houston Rockets’ James Harden, who is in his fourth Philippine visit, and Toronto’s DeMar Derozan, who was just in the country a few weeks ago, were among first ones to be introduced to the media.

“We came and played the Indiana Pacers last year and the crowd was amazing so I’m just happy to be back here in the Philippines,” said Harden.

Raptors guard Kyle Lowry is visiting the Philippines for the first time and he expects a good challenge.

“We have a great group of guys that came out and want to put in a good show to the fans and give back to the community. It is an opportunity for us to see the world and interact with different cultures. We are all excited to be out here and enjoy our time,” said Lowry.

Lowry was even asked what would happen if he was to go one-on-one with Manny Pacquiao in a basketball game.

“He ain’t got a chance against me,” said Lowry jokingly.

One of the most popular among the media, emerging star Damian Lillard of Portland – known for the buzzer-beating shot that ended the Rockets 2013-2014 playoff campaign – also came to the event and will be one of the main attractions for basketball fans.

“Coming from the United States, we can appreciate the reception that we get here. Especially when we see another culture of basketball and how you love the game as much as we do so I’m excited to be here,” said Lillard.

Recent NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs got the biggest ovation from the crowd as he was introduced. Though it was his first time in the Philippines, he was told a lot of stories already about the basketball-crazed nation by his shooting coach, Chip Engelland.

“I had a chance to see him compete against the USA national team when he played in 1984 for the Philippines. So he just shared that experience with me. You know, how many points he scored, how he had just had a relationship and the culture of the fans here,” said Leonard.

John Lucas II, a renowned US coach, will be given the task of leading the PLDT Home Fibr All-Stars in the two-day event.

High-flying Terrence Ross of the Raptors and scoring point guard Brandon Jennings of Detroit also joined the first batch of NBA stars to come to Manila.

The rest of the players who will be in attendance are Tyson Chandler, Ed Davis, Paul George and Blake Griffin.  

Tickets for the Gilas Pilipinas: The Last Home Stand are available through Ticketnet outlets. Prices start at Php750. For more details, log on to lasthomestand.pldthome.com.