It's all systems go for 'Bad Boy Tour' Event set on April 27 at the Mandaue Sports Complex

It's green and for go the "Bad Boy Tour," a goodwill encounter featuring the National Basketball Association (NBA) legends against the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star veterans at 7 pm on April 27 at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

The deal was formally sealed through the contract signing between Mario Whitmire, president of event organizer West End Sports Tour, and Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Z. Ouano at the latter's office yesterday morning.

The affair was witnessed by Mandaue City Sports Development Commission chairperson Cheryl Ouano and sports commission Bobby Ranile.

Tickets for the once-in-a-lifetime goodwill encounter are now on sale at Dunkin' Donuts, USA Sports, Island Souvenirs and Jonie's Flavored Chicken outlets.

The tickets, which can also be purchased at the Mandaue City Mayor's office, are pegged at P500 for the general admission and P1,000 for the ringside.

On the 27th, the NBA legends led by former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman will arrive at the Mactan International Airport. From there, they will have a motorcade on the way to the Mandaue City Hall where they will pay a courtesy call on mayor Thadeo Z. Ouano.

Afterwhich, the group will visit the Mandaue City Hospital before proceeding to the Cebu Provincial Capitol to pay a courtesy call on Governor Gwen Garcia. A press conference will follow.

Aside from Rodman, making up list of the star-studded cast are Alex English, Darryl Dawkins, Calvin Murphy, Sidney Moncrief, and Otis Birdsong.

Englis had been installed into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1997, Dawkins is a member of the 1982 NBA champions Philadelphia 76ers, Murphy had been enshrined into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1993, Moncrief is a five-time NBA All-Star and two-time Developmental Player of the Year, while Birdsong is a four-time NBA All-Star.

Kevin Willis was originally included in the lineup, but the 20-year NBA veteran and one-time All-Star couldn't make it due to some pressing matters.

The organizers led by Mario Whitmire, president of the West End Sports Tour, are tapping the services of the seven-footer Jeff Hagen of the Minnesota Timberwolves to replace Willis.

They will be reinforced by four to six American imports.

The Philippine team, on the other hand, will be bannered by four-time PBA MVP Alvin "The Captain" Patrimonio. Their complete roster will be announced in the next few days.

Held as one of the highlights of the annual Mandaue fiesta in honor of its beloved patron, St. Joseph the Worker, the "Bad Boy Tour" is a joint project of Mandaue City and the Cebu provincial government.