LeBron James Witness History Manila Tour: Unabridged Edition

Fast-Forward, LeBron James is Now in the Building

Taking pictures while a DJ-and-drummer duo played mediocre beats to keep the audience busy enough in waiting, the crowd erupted as host Boom Gonzales announced that LeBron James is now in the building. The stage background was actually a giant LCD that flashed an AVP, first of a recorder in black and white playing the congratulatory messages of personalities, ending with Bill Russell‘s words: “Remember, almost anybody can win one. Welcome to the circle.”

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This was followed by a highlight reel of LeBron James, showcasing the complete player that he is on both ends of the court. Halfway through this AVP, one would hear a voice repeatedly asking, “Y’all ready?” As the AVP winds down and the voice grows stronger, everyone must have noticed that it’s no other than The King LeBron James himself who was speaking as they responded wildly in anticipation of his entrance!

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Even at the far end of the Arena from where the stage was, the feeling of actually being in the same building with LeBron was exciting – maybe even exhilarating for the hardcore fans. It was perhaps the first time I heard my brother-in-law shout that loud. Everyone was on their feet, clapping and cheering as they welcomed the 4-time MVP, 2-time Finals MVP, and back-to-back champion. Admit it: Love him or hate him, it’s LeBron James‘s era.

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Coach Chot Reyes introduced the Smart Gilas players to LeBron as the scheduled basketball clinic went underway. The King joined the drills intermittently, passing, shooting, and even blocking the awe-struck Under-16 players as the drills progressed to a 2-on-2, 3-on-3, and 4-on-4 run down the court. All the while, LeBron would toss signed Nike basketballs to the gleeful crowd. Especially hilarious where the moments when someone would actually get to touch the thrown ball, only for the ball to bounce away from them to another section of the Arena. I guess we’re all sadistic in that way!

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The players look in awe as LeBron James attempts this gravity-defying slam!

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The event culminated in a 10-minute 5-on-5 between the Smart Gilas Philippine Team and the UAAP All-Stars, with LeBron James acting as the coach of the collegiate players. Halfway through the 10-minute game, James called a timeout and asked four players to go in. Then he snatched a jersey and wore it to the delight of the fans.

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 Marc Pingris had his hands full as he was assigned to guard the 6-foot-8 physical specimen that is LeBron James. The NBA star pulled off several jumpers on “Sakuragi” and drove by him for a number of backboard-shaking dunks that made the crowd go “WOAH!!!” At the other end of the court, Smart Gilas players were sinking their threes and taking every opportunity to get in and maintain their lead. James had the chance to tie the ballgame with seconds to go, but missed a contested lay-up, handing the Smart Gilas players the bragging rights of beating LeBron James – albeit in a 10-minute exhibition game.

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Just before he left, LeBron gave out more than a dozen normal and kid-sized Nike basketballs that he signed prior to the event. LeBron personally handed some of the small balls to kids in the Patron area. Pretty sure the die-hard fans were thinking, Darn! I should’ve brought my kid here!

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When In Manila, the LeBron James Witness History Tour was made extra special by the fact that we witnessed history just over a month remote from LeBron winning his second championship with the Miami Heat. Then there’s Kobe Bryant this August for Lenovo Philippines. And Derrick Rose this September for Adidas. And then the Rockets vs. Pacers Global Game this October. Basketball off-season has never been this fun When In Manila, so if you love basketball best keep your radar on for news on the upcoming events. We’ll definitely keep ours on.

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LeBron James Witness History Manila Tour: Unabridged Edition