In his first ever journey to Manila, it did not take lengthy for Dirk Nowitzki to see how passionate Filipinos are for basketball. And the previous Dallas Mavericks star stated it each humbled and stunned him to witness this nation’s loopy love affair with hoops.
“I knew [the] Philippines love their basketball [but] I didn’t know it was this crazy. I mean, everybody loves hoops, loves Mavericks, loves the NBA so it means a lot,” Nowitzki stated to the members of the press on Saturday earlier than the 2023 FIBA World Cup draw.
“It’s been humbling to see. It’s my first time ever here, but people have followed my career from that far away without ever getting to see a game.”
Nowitzki arrived within the nation to be one of many friends within the draw, which additionally featured fellow NBA star Luis Scola of Argentina. The 7-foot-6 Yao Ming, who made historical past in 2002 by being the primary worldwide participant to be drafted first total within the NBA, additionally attended the occasion.
Throughout his quick keep within the Philippines, Nowitzki additionally received the possibility to go to Tagaytay and paid a courtesy go to to Malacañang.
“It’s been an amazing trip, I met so many fans and supporters.”
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
