Lillard apologizes to Phl fans, vows to return

MANILA, Philippines – Portland Trailblazers’ star point guard Damian Lillard felt sorry for what happened in the PLDTHome: The Last Home Stand charity event in Manila recently.

Lillard posted a message to all of his fans in the Philippines on Thursday, two days after the cancelation of their game against Gilas Pilipinas at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I was really looking forward to working with and playing vs Gilas and to help them to get ready for the World Cup. But more than anything, I was looking forward to helping MVP Sports, PLDT and EWP  (East West Private) raise funds to support those affected by typhoon Yolanda,” Lillard said.

“When EWP approached me about partnering with MVP and PLDT for this event, I knew that they had the best intentions of doing something great for the people of the Philippines,” added Lillard, who was as disappointed as the fans and the organizers for the aborted charity game.

The 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year came in the country together with Houston Rockets’ James Harden, Toronto Raptors’ Terrence Ross, DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, Dallas Mavericks’ Tyson Chandler, Detroit Pistons’ Brandon Jennings, LA Clippers’ Matt Barnes, and the 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard of the reigning champion San Antonio Spurs. 

The NBA, however, barred them to play a five-on-five game in Manila after EPW failed to get clearance from the league which led to the cancellation of the two-day event.

Instead of a five-on-five game, the NBA players and Gilas Pilipinas did basketball drills under the supervision of coach John Lucas to the dismay of the fans who paid good money to watch an actual game.

PLDT chairman and Philippine’s most generous basketball patron Manuel V. Pangilinan immediately apologized for the fiasco and offered to refund tickets.

Read also: MVP says sorry, ticket refund offered to disappointed fans

Lillard is looking forward to return to the Philippines to make it up to the Filipino fans.

“I am definitely coming back next year and again doing clinics and appearances. Hopefully I'm also able to actually play in a sanctioned game against the Gilas teams,” Lillard said.

The Trailblazers' rising star also donated an unspecified amount to the relief drive for the Typhoon victims in the country.

“To further support MVP's efforts, I am donating to MVP's foundation to help support recovery efforts in the Philippines! Together we can make a difference,” Lillard added.

As a result of the aborted charity game, Lillard also had to cancel his guest appearance as an Adidas endorser at Trinoma Mall last Wednesday.