NBA x Project Runway crossover

This past Sunday, an interesting crossover between two properties that Solar Entertainment Corporation have rights to took place.

On the latest episode of Project Runway Philippines, the competing Pinoy fashion designers went to the NBA Store in Glorietta for their latest challenge: to create a fashion look out of the items available at the said store.

Overseeing the festivities in that episode is NBA Philippines country manager Carlo Singson, who also gave his own sense of fashion with his suggestions and tips for the designers. Acting as one of the guest judges for this episode is Rain or Shine's versatile swingman Gabe Norwood.

Replays of this NBA crossover edition for Project Runway: Philippines are as follows:

August 19: 10pm
August 20: 3am, 10am, 5pm
August 22 1pm
August 23 8am

The concept of basketball players becoming fashionable was an offshoot from David Stern instituting a dress code a decade ago in 2005. The then-commissioner noted that players should be wearing a "business casual" attire in all "team or league activities." In addition, certain players have decided to create their own unique style, like a Dwyane Wade or a Russell Westbrook. In fact, LeBron James designated Rachel Johnson back in 2006.

Nowadays, the pre-game and post-game scenes could be a witness to a fashion innovation or even a fashion faux pas.

NBA and Under Armour expand current partnership

The NBA announced on Monday that it is expanding its partnership with Under Armour (UA).

The up-and-coming American sporting apparel brand, which has had a relationship with the NBA since 2011, earned the nod of becoming the title partner of the NBA Draft Combine (starting in 2018). This specific agreement means that upcoming NBA Draft prospects will be in UA gear during the entirety of its event. UA will also develop a retail apparel line based from the combine for the fans to purchase.

As a presenting partner for the US-based Jr. NBA program, UA will help the league with its expanded efforts to get the youth out to play. Through basketball clinics, skills challenges, and regional tournaments conducted with the assistance of youth basketball organizations, the NBA aims to reach out to five million kids aged 6-14 y/o and develop within them a lifelong passion with the sport.

It is also important to stress out that the Jr. NBA Program not only teaches them the fundamentals of the sport, but also them the STAR values (sportsmanship, teamwork, a positive attitude, and respect) that would serve them well outside of the court.

In addition to the two programs, the NBA will utilize Under Armour's Connected Fitness platform as the basis for its NBA FIT App, which fits the league's thrust in encouraging people to have a healthy and active lifestyle. The application will have training tips and fitness-related content, among other things.

UA also secured a global content partnership with the league, which will come in handy particularly with marketing and promoting its athlete endorsers (i.e. Stephen Curry, Kemba Walker, Brandon Jennings, Greivis Vasquez and Emmanuel Mudiay). It will also be make its presence felt at some of the NBA events, like the All-Star Game, for instance.

Under Armour EVP for Global Marketing Adam Peake expressed pride in having this expanded partnership with the NBA, noting that this will allow them to "leverage our leadership in athletic performance innovation and Connected Fitness to foster the worldwide growth of basketball." He adds that this shared commitment will help basketball players everywhere realize their potential both on and off the court.

NBA EVP for Global Markerting Partnerships Emilio Collins says that both the NBA and UA have a shared commitment to basketball, fitness, and healthy living. This latest alliance, allows them to not just teach the values of the game to millions of kids though the Jr. NBA Program, but a chance to educate the fans with the latest on exercise know-how and wellness information via the NBA Fit app.

No details have been made available as to how the Philippines will be affected by this partnership. When asked for comment on Twitter, NBA Philippines' Carlos Singson is excited about this collaboration and sees UA as a "very cool brand."

Khris Middleton and Alec Burks to come to the Philippines for NBA Fit Week

A couple more NBA players have been confirmed to participate in the Pinoy version of NBA FIT Week, which aims to highlight the importance of healthy living through these three pillars: being active, eating healthy, and playing together.

Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks and Alec Burks of the Utah Jazz will be joining current NBA TV analyst Brian Shaw to kick off the festivities with the Gatorade NBA Training Center on July 29.

Middleton averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebs, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 79 games for Milwaukee this past season, numbers that netted him a $70M extension in the offseason.

Burks was limited to just 27 games this past season due to a shoulder injury that necessitated surgery, averaging 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3 assists. He said in the team website that he is "honored to have been asked" to come here and "be able to represent the Jazz for NBA Fit Week." He adds, "This is a great way to share the game of basketball and to give back to these elite athletes."

Set to take place at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, the Gatorade NBA Training Center gathers elite instructors in the fields of basketball, fitness, conditioning, and nutrition to share the latest techniques and know-how to Filipino athletes and coaches.

This is the second-ever iteration of the event, with then-Trailblazers Robin Lopez and Wes Matthews accompanying then-ESPN NBA analyst Avery Johnson last year.

Aside from the Gatorade NBA Training Center, there will be a few more stuff lined up for NBA FIT Week, including a NBA Cares activity with Project Pearls in Bocaue, Bulacan, as well as the NBA FIT Adi Nation Skills Camp for 9-13 y/o varsity kids at the end of the month.

Brian Shaw set to train Pinoys on NBA Fit Week

To kick off the NBA Fit Week in the Philippines, current NBATV analyst Brian Shaw will be headed to the country to provide instructions for its upcoming activities, in accordance with the NBA FIT's three pillars of healthy living (being active, eating healthy, and staying together).

Shaw will be present for the 2nd-ever Gatorade NBA Training Center at the Gatorade Hoops Center on July 29. He'll also participate in a NBA Cares activity with Project Pearls (with 40 kids) on July 30 at Bocaue, Bulacan, as well as the NBA FIT Adi Nation Skills Camp (with youth varsity players aged 9-13) on July 31.

The former coach of the Denver Nuggets will also share his personal drills and training techniques with the likes of LA Tenorio, Jeron Teng, Gelo Alolino, Von Pessumal, Mike Tolomia and Kevin Ferrer, while also teaching coaching philosophies to professional and collegiate tacticians in a special session.

"I look forward to visiting Manila and witnessing first-hand the passion of the Filipino players and coaches. The Philippines has produced great basketball talent, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with the participants to help them take that next step." - Brian Shaw

The Gatorade NBA Training Center gathers elite instructors in basketball, fitness and conditioning, and nutrition and have them share their techniques and other know-how to Pinoy athletes and coaches. The first edition took place last year, with then Portland Trailblazers Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews and then ESPN analyst Avery Johnson visiting.

Details on the Gatorade NBA Training Center can be seen on Gatorade Philippines' Facebook page.

Nerlens Noel and Ruth Riley in Manila for Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA National Training Camp

The Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA National Training Camp is set to take place next week, and to help commemorate the event, the NBA will have a couple of big men coming in.

Sixers center Nerlens Noel and the recently-retired WNBA legend Ruth Riley will be visiting the Philippines to help coach the top 50 boys and top 24 girls in the National Training Camp, the best players from all the different regional camps held all over the country in the past couple of months.

Noel is fresh from finishing his rookie season with the Sixers, averaging 9.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.9 blocks. The Kentucky alum is excited to have his first NBA overseas trip be the Philippines, acknowledging the country's passion for the sport. He hopes that his presence would be an added motivation for the camp participants.
 Riley was the 5th overall pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft, playing 13 seasons before retiring last year. She had career averages of 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.3 blocks, winning two titles with the Detroit Shock in 2003 and 2006.

She says, "It’s great to know how much enthusiasm there is for basketball among girls in the Philippines. I look forward to the experience and to inspiring even more young girls to pick up the game I love so much.”

Noel and Riley join the likes of BJ Armstrong, A.C. Green, Luc Longley, Muggsy Bogues, Gordon Hayward, and Tina Thompson as recent Manila visitors for the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA program. They will be tasked to help Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA head coach Chris Sumner in coaching the participants. In addition, they will serve as head coaches for the annual Jr. NBA alumni game, as well as conduct a basketball clinic in conjunction with NBA Cares and World Vision.

The camp serves as the culminating activity for the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA program this year in the Philippines. The program is the league's foray towards grassroots development in basketball and in promoting an active lifestyle for children, specifically those between 10-14 years old. Not only are they trained to learn the sport's fundamentals, but also to appreciate the core STAR values (Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude, and Respect).

The NTC will take place at the PICC Forum on April 24 and 25, and then move to the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on April 26. It is from here that fifteen outstanding kids (ten boys and five girls) will be named as Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA All-Stars. These All-Stars will join their ASEAN counterparts in having an overseas NBA experience they will surely remember.

They are also going to name the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Coach of the Year by the end of the camp, who will join the All-Stars on that overseas experience.

The Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Program is presented by Alaska. Official Partners are Gatorade, Globe Telecom, and Phoenix Petroleum, with KFC and Spalding as Supporting Partners. Serving as the official broadcasters are Basketball TV, NBA Premium TV, and ABS-CBN Sports+Action. It also has the support of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP).

For more details on the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Program, just check out this link, or head to their Facebook page.

NBA to celebrate the Chinese New Year

The NBA will have something special in store for its Chinese fans this coming Chinese New Year to usher in the Year of the Goat.

NBA China CEO David Shoemaker says, "the Chinese New Year is a time of joyful family reunion and provides an occasion for us to share in the festivities by delivering the excitement of the NBA right into the homes of our fans." He adds that the league "appreciates the support of the Chinese fans."

Kicking off the activities is a Season of Giving initiative involving NBA legend Gary Payton in Fujian province that took place last January 30. Payton unveiled a basketball court that the league donated to the school. He also had a traditional Chinese New Year meal with underprivileged students in Nanping, while also having conducting a basketball clinic with Special Olympics athletes in Shanghai. He also visited the children at the NBA Yao Basketball Club. In a separate move, the league will donate 1,600 Spalding basketballs to the different provinces, autonomous regions, and special administrative zones of China.

Starting on February 19, the NBA will have twenty match-ups televised on China Central Television (CCTV). China-based fans can also watch the games on Beijing TV, BesTV, Chongqing Satellite TV, Guangdong TV, LeTV, Sina, Tencent, Elta, Fox Taiwan, Taiwan Mobile, Videoland, and Now TV Hong Kong.

On social media, the NBA and its partners American Airlines and Mengniu will have marketing initiatives to engage fans on NBACNY.com as well as the league's official accounts on Sina Weibo, Tencent, and WeChat. Fans would have the chance to win special prizes through these interactions via the "virtual red envelopes."

In the United States, the league will have two major initiatives.

First, the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets will have special edition uniforms to pay tribute to the Chinese culture. The Warriors will launch theirs in their game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 20, while it will be on February 21 for the Rockets in their game against the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors, Sacramento Kings, and the Washington Wizards will have events and activities relating to the holiday.

Second, the league will air a Chinese New Year-related commercial on February 20 during the Warriors-Spurs game on ESPN in the US. The same ad will be aired in the NBA's Chinese-related media platforms. Entitled "Surprise Door," it involves Jeremy Lin, James Harden, Stephen Curry, and Dwyane Wade paying a visit to a Chinese family to partake of the holiday and watch a NBA game together.

Final Open Clinic for Jr. NBA & Jr. NBA set

The final Open Clinic for the 2015 season of Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA will take place on February 17, 2015 at the Casa Manila Clubhouse in Novaliches Quezon City.

Interested participants can opt to go on either the 10am to 12 nn portion or on the 2-4 portion. Either way, they would be able to partake of the program's activities aimed to get them acquainted with drills, conditioning exercises, skills stations, and most importantly, the core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, (a positive) Attitude and Respect (STAR).

The next phase of the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA program will be its Regional Selection Camps, which will kick off this weekend (February 21 and 22) at the Seminario de San Jose in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The other venues for these activities will be at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna (February 28 and March 1), Ateneo de Iloilo (March 7 and 8), St. Louis University in Baguio (March 14 and 15), and St. John's Institute in Bacolod (March 21 and 22). Davao will have its Regional Selection Camp on March 28 and 29 in an unspecified venue, while the PICC Forum on April 11 and 12 will be the location for Metro Manila's camp.

The outstanding participants in these RSC will then proceed to the annual National Training Camp on April 24-26. From that NTC, ten outstanding males and five outstanding females will be named as the 2015 Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA All-Stars. In addition, a coach of the year will be selected from that group.

Details on how to participate in the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA program are available online (www.jrnba.asia/philippines) or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines). Important to note that the program is FREE for boys and girls in its entirety.

NBA now on LINE

NBA and LINE in cahoots

On Wednesday, the NBA and Line Corporation (the company behind the communications app LINE), entered into a digital content partnership, enabling the league to be the first among the major American professional sports leagues to have account on LINE.

Using the account @nba_global, the NBA can send real-time news updates and information towards those connected to as it as "friends." LINE will also make available NBA-themed LINE stickers for fans who use the app to share with their fellow users.

LINE CEO Akira Morikawa was pleased to announce this partnership, seeing this as a means to expand its user base, while for NBA Asia Managing Director Scott Levy, he sees this as another way for the league to reach out to its tech-savvy fans worldwide.

Since being launched in 2011, LINE now has a reach of more than 181 million monthly active users spread over 230 countries and regions. The free messaging app offers one-to-one and group messaging, as well as domestic and international voice and video calls. It also has additional elements like stickers, a personal Home, a Timeline, and numerous LINE family apps, including LINE games and LINE camera.

Partnership established with the NBA and the Royal Foundation

#460170704 / gettyimages.com

The NBA and the Royal Foundation announced on Monday that both sides will engage a partnership involving the league's NBA Cares program with the Foundation's United for Wildlife and Coach Core programs.

The partnership aims to raise awareness on the importance of international wildlife conservation, develop the next generation of conservation leaders, and grow the game of basketball. To highlight that partnership, Prince William and Dutchess Catherine (better known to everyone as Kate Middleton) attended the game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Barclays Center on Tuesday.

For wildlife conservation, the league has previously teamed up with WildAid, producing ads like this one below.



With United for Wildlife, the league has named Serge Ibaka, Al Horford, and NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo as its ambassadors, joining the likes of David Beckham, Andy Murray, Lewis Hamilton, and NBA legend Yao Ming. Mutombo accompanied the Royal Couple at the Barclays Center during the game. As ambassadors, they will join Prince William to rally towards "a global movement for change and to preserve nature."

With Coach Core, the league will support the program in its initiative of helping the youth to develop the skills, experience, and confidence to become the next generation of inspirational coaches. In line with that, the NBA will provide logistical support and coaching experience. In addition, with the New York Knicks playing in London for the NBA Global Games against the Milwaukee Bucks next year at the O2 Arena, Carmelo Anthony will grace a Coach Core graduation event on January 14.

The NBA Store in the Philippines finally opens on December 6

NBA Store in Glorietta 3. (photo from the NBA)

After a long wait, the largest NBA Store outside the United States and the first in Southeast Asia will open this Saturday, December 6.

Located at Glorietta 3 inside the Ayala Center in Makati, the store will take up over a thousand square meters of space covering two floors. Three-time NBA All-Star and current NBA TV analyst Rip Hamilton will be present to grace the opening and meet with fans.

The NBA Store will have merchandise from all 30 teams, as well as a comprehensive assortment of NBA products that includes Adidas apparel and footwear (Adidas is the NBA's official outfitter) and personalized jersey services. It will also have an interactive zone, where fans can hone their NBA 2K skills, or measure themselves against their favorite players. There are also items in the store that cannot be bought anywhere else in the country.

NBA Asia Senior VP and Managing Director Scott Levy found it fitting that the Philippines will be hosting the largest NBA Store outside of the United States, highlighting the Filipinos' passion and excitement for the NBA, whether it is through TV, social and digital media, events, and at the NBA Cafe. He adds that this is an opportunity for fans to proudly express their loyalty to their favorite NBA teams / players.

International Athletic Trading Company, Inc. (IATC) will manage the Philippines' NBA Store, and its President and CEO, Melvin Lloyd Lim, is excited to be working with the league in opening this one-of-a-kind store. Lim sees this store not only as the place to get the widest range of NBA merchandise, but also as a destination point for future NBA activities in the basketball-mad country.

To commemorate the opening, the first 300 visitors to the NBA Store will be getting special perks, including the chance to meet with Hamilton, as well as have opportunity to snag limited edition footwear, NBA Store GCs, and other NBA merchandise

Basketball Without Borders All-Star Global Camp set to launch in 2015

Basketball Without Borders

To coincide with the NBA All-Star Weekend in New York City, the NBA and FIBA announced on Thursday the establishment of a Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global Camp at the vicinty of the All-Star venue.

With the Big Apple set to host the 2015 All-Star Game, the inaugural camp will be held at Manhattan's Baruch College on February 13-15.

The camp will bring together the top FORTY (40) players born in 1997 from Africa, the Americas, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe alongside NBA, WNBA, and FIBA players and coaches. During the camp, the participants will be working on positional skill drills, as well as engaging in 5-on-5 scrimmages and shooting and skills competitions. They will also have a life skills seminar for essential health-based matters, and attend the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at the Barclays Center.

In addition, the campers will also pitch-in and assist NBA Cares with their planned activities (i.e. NBA FIT) within the five boroughs during All-Star Weekend.

BWB is a collaborative effort between the NBA and FIBA, with 39 camps worldwide already under their belt since being established in 2001. It already has reached 2,200 participants, with 33 alums already drafted by the NBA.

Nike,who will provide the apparel for the campers and coaches, is a BWB global partner, having been working with them since 2002.

NBA and Globe Telecom form a multi-year partnership

Globe Telecom and the NBA have entered into a comprehensive, multi-year partnership that sees the telecommunications firm provide NBA-related offerings to over 45 million of its mobile and broadband customers.

Among the special promotions and premiums for Globe subscribers are access to NBA League Pass, as well as NBA content on the PisoMall video platform.

NBA League Pass, of course, is how fans can watch the league's games LIVE and on-demand via multiple devices. Among its features are multi-game viewing, play markers, stats, as well the chance to pick your broadcaster of choice.

Globe Telecom's Chief Operating Advisor Peter Bithos believes that the new partnership will bring the NBA closer to its subscribers by enabling them to watch the games that they want, when and how they want it, as well as provide access to stats, highlights, and the like.

To add, Globe Consumer Business Senior Advisor Dan Horan acknowledges the love Filipinos have for basketball, and as such Globe is eager to provide its subscribers with a new way of enjoying the games.

NBA Asia Managing Director Scott Levy is excited to welcome Globe into the NBA family, noting that they share the same commitment to enriching Filipino lives. He sees this new partnership as a way for the game to be even more accessible to millions across the country, in which Globe will have a presence in.

The partnership with Globe is the latest milestone for the NBA in its relationship with the Philippines, which has already seen the development of its first Jr. WNBA Program, the establishment of the NBA Cafe, the soon-to-be launched NBA Store, and its newly-minted broadcast deal with Solar Entertainment and ABS-CBN.

As for Globe, this is their latest partnership in their continued growth as one of the major telecommunications players in the country. They have already have had similar deals with Facebook, Google, Viber, and Spotify.

NBA in a global scheme of things

How international is the NBA? This might be of fun to peruse, you think?

NBA Store in the Philippines to open later this year

On Wednesday, the NBA announced that the Philippines will be the first ASEAN member to have a NBA Store.

Set to open later this year, the NBA Store will be the definitive place to purchase authentic NBA merchandise from all 30 teams. There will also be autographed memorabilia for exclusive products only available at the NBA Store Philippines. Also, official NBA outfitter adidas will have its products also on display inside.

NBA Asia Senior VP and Managing Director Scott Levy says that "the passion and excitement of NBA fans in the Philippines have helped us deliver so many dedicated Filipino NBA destinations across TV, social and digital media, events and the NBA Cafe. He adds, "It is only natural that the Philippines should also have the first NBA Store in Southeast Asia.  This will present yet another opportunity for our fans to get closer to the game, and proudly display their loyalties to their favorite teams and the players."

To celebrate the announcement, there will be a series of activities that will take place today and tomorrow at the Glorietta Main Activity Center in Makati. Among the many things to happen during the event include meet-and-greet opportunities, NBA giveaways, hip-hop dance workshops, and a NBA 2K14 face-off between celebrities and gamers. NBA merchandise will also be in display for the fans, as a possible preview on what to expect inside the store.

Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews, Avery Johnson, the Laker Girls, and Denver Nuggets' mascot Rocky the Mountain Lion will also be present and interact with the fans.

Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews, and Avery Johnson to visit Yolanda-affected Northern Cebu

Later today, Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews of the Portland Trailblazers, as well as current NBA analyst Avery Johnson will be heading to Northern Cebu to visit communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

This is a reaffirmation of the NBA's commitment to help families in the affected areas rebuild their lives, with the assistance of World Vision Philippines.

NBA Philippines' Country Manager Carlo Singson hopes that the visit to Northern Cebu helps uplift the spirits of the residents as they continue their road to recovery. He also reiterated the support towards efforts in the rehab process, with over $2.2 million in donations coming from the league, the players and the teams. Just this past August, WNBA Legend Allison Feaster and current Houston Rockets player development coach Derrick Alston visited the country as part of the Sports Diplomacy initiative of the United States Embassy, and among the activities that took place during the visit was visiting Leyte and Cebu to donate books and basketballs, as well as participate in school construction and tree planting.

World Vision Development Foundation Executive Director Josaias T. dela Cruz expressed the organization's gratefulness for the continued support of the NBA to World Vision's efforts in emergency response, adding that they "are happy to host" the visit of Lopez, Matthews, and Johnson, noting that the community partners, most especially the children, will be delighted to meet them.

For more details on the NBA's efforts relating to Yolanda, you can check this link for more details or to contribute.

Organizers assure fans of affordable tickets for Iverson charity game

Bookmark August 15 on your calendars.

Organizers of the "All In" charity game have revealed that date as the day for which tickets will be released for the event, which will benefit Gawad Kalinga, and assured that fans will not be priced out from being able to watch the exhibition.


Sitting at the most expensive part of the Mall of Asia Arena and watching Allen Iverson up close as a coach will only cost PhP 6,500, while the cheapest seats are available for PhP 600. Other ticket prices will be at PhP 2,000, PhP 3,000, and PhP 4,500.

TicketNet is handling distribution.

The "All In" charity game will feature a local selection of collegiate standouts and former PBA Legends facing off against members of the streetball group Ball Up, as well a few former NBA players like ertswhile Chicago Bull Eddy Curry.

PCWorx' Michael Angelo Ong Chua expressed that they were "very fortunate" that Iverson partnered with them for this project, knowing that the guard went "All In" during his NBA career.

Chua adds that they "want to give AI's Filipino fans a chance to see him up close," thus the decision to have prices structured the way it is.

Allen Iverson set to visit Manila this November

The Answer is coming.

It took a long while, but retired NBA superstar Allen Iverson will be coming to Manila later this year, with 
agent Sheryl Reyes confirmed that he will be conducting a series of charity events, highlighted by coaching in an exhibition game against a local selection at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Reyes revealed that Iverson will be leading a team bannered by members of the streetball legends Ball Up (more recognizable by its old sponsors' name And-1). She adds that this is what the former 11-time All-Star plans on doing alongside the basketball clinics he is setting up with kids.

As for the local selection, it will be a combination of PBA legends and collegiate standouts. Among those mentioned that could possibly participate include Ateneo's Kiefer Ravena and Arvin Tolentino, La Salle's Jeron Teng and Arnold Van Opstal, San Beda's Javee Mocon, Ola Adeogun and Andre Paras, and San Sebastian's CJ Perez and Bradwyn Guinto.

Gawad Kalinga will be the main beneficiary of the game, entitled "All In."

In an e-mail, Iverson expressed his excitement in coming to Manila. “I’m looking forward to my coming visit to Manila. I’ve heard a lot of good stories about the Philippines, specifically about Filipino basketball fans. See you all real soon,”

Reyes, Moore Management Entertainment, and PcWorx sealed the deal to bring the guard from Georgetown to return to Manila. MME's boss, Gary Moore, spoke to the media via phone and expressed their excitement in having Iverson come over to the country.

Wesley Johnson, Raptors Dance Pak also to arrive for NBA 3X Philippines

The cast of visitors for NBA 3X just grew larger, over the weekend, with the official announcement that Wesley Johnson and the Raptors Dance Pak will be joining DeMar DeRozan this upcoming weekend, July 4-6, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Johnson, the 4th overall pick of the 2010 Draft, can't wait to get to Manila to meet the Filipino NBA fans, who he views as among the most passionate in the world. Having spent the past season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged over 9 points and 4 rebounds last season, he is excited to be representing the team at the upcoming NBA 3X Philippines event. Wesley is aware that the Lakers is among the most popular teams in the country, although he would be an unrestricted free agent by the time he arrives in the country.

Johnson and DeRozan will make appearances and interact with fans via clinics and community events alongside the NBA 3X event itself, which is presented by Sprite. In addition to the 3X event, there will be entertainment c/o musical performances, as well as NBA merchandise giveaways, via slam dunk contests, 3-point shootouts, skills challenges, basketball clinics, and autograph sessions.

The 3X proper will have eight divisions for both men and women, including a Celebrity Division that will involve well-known local entertainment personalities. Registration for the events is still ongoing, but it is on a first-come. first-serve basis. The previous iteration last year saw over 170 teams participate.

Along with presenting partner Sprite, official partners of NBA 3X Philippines 2014 include adidas, Smart Communications and PLDT, KFC and Phoenix Petroleum, with Acer and Spalding serving as supporting partners. Official NBA broadcasters are ABS-CBN Sports + Action and Basketball TV. For more details and inquiries, check out their Facebook page.

NBA 3X to return to the Philippines, DeMar DeRozan to attend

He is coming here in July.

3-on-3 basketball returns to the Philippines with the 2014 NBA 3X Philippines, presented by Sprite.

Also supporting this event are official partners adidas, Smart Communications and PLDT, KFC and Phoenix Petroleum.

Acer and Spalding serve as supporting partners, while the official NBA broadcasters are ABS-CBN Sports + Action and Basketball TV.

The 4th edition of this event combines competitive 3-on-3 basketball with authentic NBA entertainment for fans this coming July 4-6.

Toronto Raptors swingman DeMar DeRozan will be coming over to the country to headline the event and assist with running the basketball clinics. The USC alum helped the Canadian side to their best regular season in franchise history, taking the Atlantic Division crown and leading the team in scoring and minutes during the postseason, where they fell short in a competitive seven-game series against the Brooklyn Nets.

DeMar is excited for his first visit to the country and experience its unique culture. He adds that "Filipinos are world-renowned for their passion for the NBA and I can’t wait for this exciting showcase of their basketball skills."

To take place at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall (with the PICC serving as an alternative venue), NBA 3X Philippines will feature around eight divisions, with an under-18 and under-16 division for both boys and girls, and an under-13 for boys. There is also an open division for both men and women, as well as a Celebrity division.

Alongside the basketball, there will be some fan activities, including a dunk contest, 3-point shootouts, skills challenges, autograph sessions, and basketball clinics. There will also be performances, as well as NBA merchandise giveaways. 

NBA Asia's Philippines Country Manager Carlo Singson says that the NBA 3X Philippines is their way of continuing their goal of providing its loyal supporters with an authentic means to engage with the league, whether via events, programming, NBA.com or social media. He adds that it has been a historic year of activities for Filipino NBA fans, highlighted by the first NBA preseason game in the region, as well as the first-of-its-kind NBA Cafe Manila.

Coca-Cola Philippines' Marketing Manager for Sparkling, Teejae Sonza, says that they are glad to be able to support programs encouraging people to play basketball, staying physically active, improving strength and endurance, achieving energy balance, and drinking Sprite.

For more information on NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite and to register for the 3x3 tournament, log on to www.nba3x.com/philippines. Fans can also get updates on the event by following the NBA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nba_philippines and through Facebook at www.facebook.com/nba3xasia and www.facebook.com/philsnba.

NBA Cafe to host the NBA Finals Viewing Party

As always, Solar Entertainment, specifically from Basketball TV, NBA Premium and Solar SportsDesk, will have its usual NBA Finals viewing party, in partnership with the NBA Philippines.

This time, the venue for the party will be at the snazzy NBA Cafe inside SM Aura in Taguig. Its 16 TV screens spread all across the facility ensures everyone will not miss the rematch between the San Antonio Spurs and the defending champions Miami Heat.

Hosting the party will be our friends from Solar, and games will take place during lulls to enhance the viewing experience. There will be prizes and freebies at stake.

The NBA Cafe has crafted a specific menu for this postseason, and now that it is the Finals, they stepped it up further by crafting another set menu,



Just like the previous menu, guests can opt to order a la carte as well.

The NBA Cafe opens before the actual mall does, so fans can actually get there earlier to be ready for the actual event.

Here is the Finals schedule:

Game 1 - June 6 (9am)
Game 2 - June 9 (8am)
Game 3 - June 11 (9am)
Game 4 - June 13 (9am)
Game 5 - June 16 (8am)
Game 6 - June 18 (9am)
Game 7 - June 21 (9am)

For more information, call 556-1683 or go to www.facebook.com/nbacafemanila.