The Philippines, being a basketball-crazy country, is always excited to welcome past and present stars of professional basketball, but when a “superstar†visits, the fans go nuts!
That’s exactly what happened when Adidas brought in Chicago Bulls franchise player Derrick Rose.
This was his second visit to the country, but unlike the previous occasion where he hardly had a chance to mingle with the fans, this time around, he was able to soak in the hospitality of the Filipino people.
On his first day, a Friday, he graced the “Unite All Originals†party at Club Haze at Bonifacio Global City.
He then had a chance on his second day to witness up close the local youngsters strut their stuff during the grand finals of the 3-on-3 tournament at the Araneta Coliseum. He definitely enjoyed spending some court time with the aspiring players.
On his final day, he finally met the local media and then in the late afternoon, played with the winners of the 2K13 Video Game Tournament.
I was lucky to have had a short chat with him on Saturday before I hosted the press con the following day, and Rose struck me as a kid suddenly thrust into the limelight because of his tremendous basketball talent.
Unlike other superstars I’ve had the chance to meet and work with, Derrick was so quiet and unassuming. No airs at all in his persona.
His handlers actually briefed me, saying that Derrick will answer any question thrown at him, but he tends to shy away from answering questions directly about himself or his talent.
Immediately after the event, he pulled me aside and thanked me for helping him through the press con.
What a truly humble individual, one who is so talented that the entire NBA is just raring to see him in action once again.
Manila would be so lucky to have Adidas bring him in again soon!