Ball Up streetballers ready to impress Manila

Members of the Ball Up All-Stars have expressed their excitement about the chance to showcase their talents to Filipino basketball fans later this week.

Air Up There

Taurian "Air Up There" Fontenette, Larry "The Bone Collector" Williams, and Ryan "Special FX" Williams are three members of the seven-man squad that form the core of Team Gawad Kalinga in the "All In" basketball charity event that will take place on 7pm Wednesday night, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Taurian is familiar with Filipino basketball, in part because he is a former college roommate of Joe DeVance. The Purefoods-STAR forward would share to him how much Filipinos love the sport, and as such, he can't wait to see it for himself in the next couple of days.

Bone Collector

Larry says that Filipinos make up a large percentage of his followers on social media, and that they make him aware about how much we love the sport. The Rucker Park legend "can't wait to come here" and perform for those who have not seen him before.

Ryan, on the other hand, has faced the Filipino brand of basketball in person, playing in a Filipino league in New York City. He is also familiar with how passionate we are with the sport, and that how we play hard allows him to get hyped for this event.

Special FX

The other members of the Ball Up squad who will form the core of Team Gawad Kalinga are Grayson “The Professor” Boucher, Gary “G-Smith” Smith, Aaron “AO” Owens, and Anthony “Mr. Afrika” Pimble. The team will be reinforced by former PBA stalwarts Jerry Codinera, Willie Miller, and Renren Ritualo.

Coaching Team Gawad Kalinga is "The Answer" himself, Allen Iverson.
  
They will be going up against collegiate basketball stars representing Team PCWorx, reinforced by former NBA lottery selections DerMarr Johnson and Eddy Curry and coached by multi-titled mentor Tim Cone.

The event is also backed by NBA Café Manila, Solaire Resort and Casino, Samsung, Intel, Microsoft, PhilCare, Canon, Rapoo, Accel, and the Mall of Asia Arena.

Tickets to “All In” basketball are still available, at 50% off, online at www.smtickets.com, all SM Tickets outlets, and at selected PCWorx branches in Metro Manila.

Ravena, Teng join forces for "All In" charity basketball event

College standouts will highlight Team PCWorx for the "All In" basketball challenge this November 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng will be joining forces for the first time to lead the squad, which will be complemented by Troy Rosario from the UAAP champions, National University Bulldogs, and Javee Mocon and Ola Adeogun of the five-time NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions.

The other members of Team PCWorx are Mac Belo from Far Eastern University, Kiefer's younger brother Thirdy, Jaymar Perez of San Sebastian College, and Jeron's fellow Green Archer Almond Vosotros. They will be reinforced by former NBA lottery picks DerMarr Johnson and Eddy Curry and will be mentored by multi-titled head coach Tim Cone.

Ravena looks forward to his fun team-up with his rival, noting that "this is for a good cause."

The UAAP MVP also shares that it "is an honor to play for one of the winningest PBA coaches in PBA history," noting that they will learn a lot from the Purefoods-STAR Hotshots head coach.

Team PCWorx will face off against Team Gawad Kalinga, bolstered by the Ball Up streetball All-Stars: Grayson “The Professor” Boucher, Larry “Bone Collector” Williams, Taurian “Air Up There” Fontanette, Gary “G-Smith” Smith, Aaron “AO” Owens, Anthony “Mr. Afrika” Pimble and Ryan “Special FX” Williams. The team will be reinforced by former PBA stalwarts Jerry Codinera, Willie Miller, and Renren Ritualo.

Team Gawad Kalinga will be handled by Allen Iverson, whom Kiefer is looking forward to meeting. He says that Allen is one of those players "who revolutionized the game of basketball."

Proceeds from the basketball event, which is backed by Philippine Airlines, NBA Café Manila, Solaire Resort and Casino, Samsung, Intel, Microsoft, PhilCare, Canon, Rapoo, Accel, and the Mall of Asia Arena, will go to Gawad Kalinga.

Tickets are still available at SM Tickets and at selected PCWorx branches.

Former PBA import looks forward to his "All In" return to the Philippines

A former PBA import will be returning to the country to touch base again with Filipino basketball fans.

DerMarr Johnson will be coming to Manila to be involved in the "All In" charity basketball fundraiser this November 5, 7pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The former NBA lottery selection has some very fond memories of his stay in the Philippines, although his stint with Barako Bull as their reinforcement back in 2012 was cut short due to an injury.

He says that he looks forward the most to interacting with Filipino fans, adding that "Filipino fans know and love basketball," to which he would like for them to come out and support this worthy cause.

He also sees this as a chance to meet up with friends that he has not yet seen in a while, noting that they have treated him well and made feel at ease during his brief stay in the country, a stay that he hopes would equate to another stint in the PBA as an import.

Johnson, along with fellow NBA lottery selection Eddy Curry, will be reinforcing Team PCWorx, which will be handled by multi-titled head coach Tim Cone, as they face the Ball Up-represented Team Gawad Kalinga that will be handled by NBA legend Allen Iverson.

On the prospect of facing Iverson, DerMarr says that he won't make things easy for "The Answer," even though they are friends off the court.

He and Curry hopes to help a team bolstered by collegiate standouts against the Ball Up streetballers, who themselves will be reinforced by PBA legends Jerry Codinera, Renren Ritualo, and Willie Miller. In the end, though, he believes that the game would provide fans with a good show, adding that he will be "going out there to get a win."

Tickets for the All In basketball charity match are still available via SM Tickets and at selected PCWorx branches in Metro Manila. Proceeds from the event will go to Gawad Kalinga.

This event is backed by: Philippine Airlines, NBA Café Manila, Solaire Resort and Casino, Samsung, Intel, Microsoft, PhilCare, Canon, Rapoo, Accel, and the Mall of Asia Arena.

NBA Café Manila offers Allen Iverson meet and greet

In line with the arrival of NBA legend Allen Iverson for the "All In" basketball charity event for Gawad Kalinga this November 5, NBA Café Manila will be offering the "ultimate dining and entertainment experience."

Customers can pick a certain dining package to have the chance to dine with, as well as meet and greet "The Answer" on November 4.

NBA Café Manila general manager Nian Liwanag-Rigor says, "We want to offer our avid patrons a unique dining experience by offering them different packages for a chance to dine with and meet their basketball idols." She adds that limited slots are available and will be on a first-come-first serve basis.

Interested diners can call (02) 556-1683 for reservations.

The meet-and-greet is among the many activities highlighting the visit by Iverson, which culminates with the exhibition match involving collegiate stars reinforced by former NBA lottery selections DerMarr Johnson and Eddy Curry, going up against the Ball Up streetball crew reinforced by PBA legends Jerry Codinera, Renren Ritualo, and Willie Miller.

“The Professor” excited to make his return to the Philippines

The Professor

Streetball legend Grayson "The Professor" Boucher is among the ballers that will be making their way to the country for the "All In" charity event, presented by PCWorx, at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 5 at 7pm.

The Professor is part of the Ball Up Streetball All-Stars that will banner the Allen Iverson-coached Team Gawad Kalinga. They will face Team PCWorx, composed of a local all-star selection that is bolstered by former NBA Draft Lottery selections Eddy Curry and DerMarr Johnson. The locals will be a mix of collegiate standouts and former PBA legends.

Boucher had been part of the And-1 Mix Tape World tour that made a stop in Manila back in 2004 remembering how excited fans were during the games, and that he can't wait to make his return to the Philippines after more than a decade..

He shared in an e-mail that he was "looking forward to the crowd energy during the game," acknowledging the popularity of the sport in the country. He admitted that a "huge percentage of my (online) viewers and international fans are Filipinos," and that he is appreciative and "very thankful" for their support.

He also is looking forward to working with Iverson again, adding that "It's an incredible experience and an honor for me to work with Allen because he was one of the first players I tried to emulate on the basketball court." He is a huge fan of "The Answer," noting that when he was in sixth grade, he was known as the "little white kid with the crazy AI crossover."

Tickets to the "All In" charity event are still available at SM Tickets and smtickets.com, as well as in selected PCWorx branches. Ticket prices are pegged at P6,500 (VIP), P5,500 (Patron), P4,000 (Lower Box), P2,000 (Upper Box), and P600 (General Admission).

Allen Iverson adds a second basketball clinic during Manila visit

Organizers have added a second basketball clinic onto the schedule of Allen Iverson when he arrives in Manila next month, this time tailored for adults of at least 20 years of age at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 5, hours before the "All In" charity basketball event.

For only five thousand pesos, participants of that 3-5pm clinic will have snacks, a t-shirt, a certificate, a free basketball clinic ticket for spectators, and a General Admission ticket for for "All In" charity basketball event that takes place later on that night.

In a telephone interview, Iverson said, "It's always a privilege for me to go out there and share my love and passion for basketball." He also shared that this will not be "an ordinary basketball clinic," as he will be sharing a part of himself along with his knowledge in basketball, a means of saying thanks to his fans that have stood by him all these years.

Interested participants can contact PCWorx at 575-1520. Registration kicked off last October 13 and will be run until October 25.


This announcement came a week after organizers revealed a clinic for teens will take place on November 4 in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City, with multi-titled head coach Tim Cone on hand.

Meanwhile, tickets for the "All In" event are still available at SM Tickets, www.smtickets.com, and selected PCWorx branches.

Iverson will be coaching Team Gawad Kalinga, represented by the Ball Up Streetball All-Stars. Facing him will be Team PCWorx, a venerable group of local players reinforced by former lottery picks Eddy Curry and DerMarr Johnson.

Tim Cone and Allen Iverson to hold a basketball clinic

SanMig Coffee head coach Tim Cone will team up with NBA legend Allen Iverson in overseeing a basketball clinic.

To be held at Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City on November 4, it is one of the activities lined up with "The Answer" during his Manila visit, highlighted by the November 5 "All In" charity basketball event at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Cone is already looking forward to the clinic, saying "I’m so honored to work with one of the true legends of the NBA. Just his mere presence will excite everyone." He adds, "Allen impacted a whole generation with his style and flair. Young people copied the way he played and copied the clothes he wore. He was also one of the great scorers in NBA history despite his height and frame, and he often carried teams on his back to the playoffs. He was a true winner on and off the court."

In a phone interview with his Philippine agent, Sheyrl Reyes, Allen can't wait to share his basketball know-how, as she has made him aware about Cone's accomplishments as a head coach, with the idea of the two of them working together being an exciting proposition for the retired guard.

Assisting Cone and Iverson in this project are PBA players Harvey Carey, Willie Miller, Sol Mercado, Chris Ross, and Jay-jay Helterbrand.

The clinic is for aspirants aged 10-15 years old. Limited slots are still available for a PhP 2500 fee. Interested parties can call (02) 575-1520 for reservations and inquiries.

Tickets are still available for the "All In" fundraiser, which can be purchased at www.smtickets.com, all SM Tickets outlets, and all PCWorx branches.

All In meet-and-greet promo for The Answer set

Fans have the chance to be able to meet and have a photo Allen Iverson  and the rest of the Ball Up squad on the "All In" charity basketball event.

If you are among the first five hundred ticket buyers for the basketball fund-raiser on November 5, you will have the chance to actually watch the closed-door shootaround of the Ball Up squad that Iverson will coach.

The shootaround will be two hours before the game actually begins, and out of the 500, forty lucky fans will be randomly selected to have photos and autographs with Iverson and the Ball Up squad.

The lucky forty will be determined on October 13, with the identities to be known on the official Facebook and Twitter page for the All In event.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.smtickets.com, all SM Tickets outlets, and PCWorx branches. Prices are pegged at P6,500 (VIP), P5,500 (Patron), P4,500 (Lower Box), P2,000 (Upper Box), and P600 (General Admission).

Gawad Kalinga is the beneficiary of the event, which is organized by I-Kurot, and supported by Samsung, NBA Café, Accel (official outfitter), Solaire Resort and Casino (official residence), Rapoo, AOC, and WhenInManila.com

Allen Iverson "excited" for upcoming Manila visit

With over two more months to go before his visit to the Philippines, Allen Iverson continues to be excited for the chance to meet his Filipino fanbase.

In an e-mail, the former NBA MVP says that he "can't wait to see all of you this November," adding that he's "very thankful for the opportunity to come out there and be a part of a good cause for the poor and homeless Filipinos."

He also hopes "all of you would come out and support us in this project."

Iverson's long-time manager Gary Moore affirmed Iverson's views, noting that the guard "is really looking forward to coming to the Philippines to meet his Filipino fans." He adds that Allen remains "very passionate about basketball and loves sharing his knowledge and experiences." Moore also says that with the Manila visit, "we're sure that Allen will have a wider reach and inspire more people."

Allen Iverson will be the centerpiece of the "All-In" basketball fundraiser for Gawad Kalinga, where he will be calling the shots for the Ball-Up crew (best remembered for their involvement in the legendary And-1 Mix Tapes). They will face a combination of a local selection of college and pro standouts and former NBA ballers Gilbert Arenas, Eddy Curry, and DerMarr Johnson. Having him coach the Ball-Up squad is part of his preparations as he eventually ventures into that part of the game.

The charity event will take place on November 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena, with tickets already available at all SM Tickets outlets (and smtickets.com), as well as in all PCWorx branches. This event is also supported by Samsung, NBA Café, Accel, and Rapoo.

Ticket prices are pegged at P6,500 (VIP), P5,500 (Patron), P4,000 (Lower Box), P2,000 (Upper Box), and P600 (General Admission). 

Gilbert Arenas to return to Manila as part of All-In

Another former NBA superstar will be returning to the Philippines later this year.

Gilbert Arenas will be involved in the "All In" basketball fund-raiser for Gawad Kalinga this coming November 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena, joining Eddy Curry, and a cabal of local players from the pro and collegiate ranks, among the players who will be facing off against the Ball Up Streetball All-Stars, coached by Sixers legend Allen Iverson. 

In a message to Sheryl Reyes, "Agent Zero" is excited to come back to the Philippines, who had previously been in the country six years ago. He adds, “It’s been six years, but I can still remember the warmth and love I received from my Filipino fans. I’m so honored and blessed to be a part of this event and help build homes for the poor.”

Reyes is pleased that Arenas has decided to pitch in and help, adding that “I’m very happy and thankful that Ball Up has helped me tap Gilbert for this event and that he agreed to join us. He has always been involved in charity work anywhere in the world, and we’re grateful that he will be coming with the other guys to help less privileged Filipinos,”

Presented by PcWorx, tickets for the "All In" basketball event are now available at all SM Tickets outlets and at www.smtickets.com. Prices are at PhP 6,500, PhP 5,500, PhP 4,000, PhP 2,000 and PhP 600.

"All In" Charity Game tickets set for earlier release

Good news for those who want to see The Answer in the flesh after all these years.

Organizers of the "All In" charity basketball event slated this coming November 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena have announced that tickets for the event will now be available a week earlier than planned.

Tickets for the game can now be purchased at all SM Tickets outlets, as well as with PCWorx branches starting this Friday, August 8. It had been originally pegged to be released on August 15.

PCWorx Marketing head Jessel Fesarit explained that since the August 1 press conference at the NBA Cafe formalizing "All In," they "have received countless inquiries about the availability of tickets."

Given such demand, she added, they "have done what they can to ensure an earlier release."

Prices for the basketball game are as follows:

PhP 600 (general admission), PhP 3,000 (upper box), PhP 4,000 (lower box), PhP 5,500 (patron), PhP 6,500 (VIP). Proceeds from the event will benefit Gawad Kalinga.

Iverson will be coaching a team mainly composed of the Ball Up (better known back then as the And-1) Streetball crew against a local selection of PBA legends and collegiate sensations.

For more details regarding the event, inquiries may be directed to Fesarit at jfesarit@ikurot.ph.