The 2013 NBA Global Games is just around the corner as the Indiana Pacers square off against the Houston Rockets at the SM Mall of Asia Arena here in Manila, Philippines. Dwight Howard and James Harden of the Houston Rockets are the only ones that have been in the country before. The rest are all first timers. Among those first time visitors is 5-year veteran big man Ian Mahinmi of the Indiana Pacers.
Not a lot of people may not recognize him but he's just one of the players that helped the Dallas Mavericks win their first ever NBA Title in the 2010-2011 season. He joined the Indiana Pacers after he was traded by the Mavericks for Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones in July 12, 2013. The 6'11" Frenchman's been having a great time in his first visit and he's been loving it here in the Philippines.
"So far it’s been great. I know nothing about the Philippines. So far, I love it and excited to be here," Mahinmi said.
"We just love it here, people really care about basketball – it’s been great."
With the overwhelming reception from Filipinos, he says that in return, both teams will give the fans a good show but will remain competitive throughout the game.
"Its good 'coz you guys showed us love. So y’know, we wanna give you back -- give you guys a good show -- at the same time play hard. So, I think it’s gonna be a very good game."
Mahinmi didn't exactly know how much Filipinos are crazy about basketball. Perhaps nobody told him about it though. Nevertheless, he enjoyed and experienced what Filipino hospitality is all about especially from the day the team touched down here in the country. He says that they are looking forward to coming back.
"I didn’t know it was that crazy. That kinda caught me off guard – I love it!"
"Since day one, since we got here, since we got off the plane, people taking picture of us, y’know. It’s been quite a trip for us. So we love it so y’ know we thank you guys and we definitely be back."
No comments:
Post a Comment