Born to Rise, inspire: James urges young ballers to overcome adversities

MANILA, Philippines - The King is back. But instead of being served, LeBron James wants to serve by way of inspiring the Pinoy kids, who, like him, eat, drink and breathe basketball, to rise above adversities.

“Told you, I’ll be back,” James told mediamen in a six-minute press conference at House of Rise in Mandaluyong yesterday. “You guys welcome me and my friends with open arms so it’s always a pleasure.”

James hit town for the first time in 2013 in a whirlwind tour where Filipino fans gave him a welcome befitting a king.

This time, the Cleveland Cavs superstar wants to reciprocate by inspiring Pinoys to overcome the odds.

“They’re committed to the game, they love the game and you can always relate to people that’s as passionate about the sport,” said James, sporting a white Nike Rise shirt and red shorts.

James, who overcame tremendous odds to reach his esteemed status, is also in town to help mentor aspirants in the Nike Rise reality basketball program.

But he stressed he’s here to inspire the kids.

NBA superstar LeBron James speaks during a press conference at Nike’s House of Rise in Mandaluyong City yesterday. -JUN MENDOZA

“I think more than teaching them skills, I think it’s about the inspiration I’ll leave behind, the story I could give them. And it’s up to them to use that to better themselves. I think that’s more important than anything,” said the two-time NBA champion and four-time MVP.

James said he is a living testament to how one can succeed despite difficult conditions.

“I think my story speaks for itself. I was a kid who believed I could make my dream a reality. I took a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hope. I love the game so much I wasn’t letting anybody tell me I couldn’t make it. So I know exactly what these kids are going through,” he said.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist relished the chance to inspire others with his success story.

“It feels great to be someone people look up to be able to accomplish more, to be able to rise to the occasion,” he said.

James is here for four days, much longer than his one-day trip in 2013. He was so moved by the warm welcome that he promised to be back soon.

“The King” said what excites him the most is the opportunity to interact with fans, especially kids, who are as passionate for basketball as he is.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for the last two years,” he said.

James graced the Nike Rise exhibition game at the Mall of Asia Arena later in the day.

The game featured the Nike Rise players teaming up with Nike athletes from the pros and collegiate ranks in a Black versus White duel.

James did the honors of announcing the 12 finalists in the Nike Rise program and played limited minutes in the match.

James was to coach the finalists of the Nike Rise project against a UAAP selection at the MOA late last night. He was also set to play in an exhibition game.