Former NBA All Star Marbury to visit Manila

MANILA, Philippinres – Former NBA All Star guard Stephon Marbury, who has found a renaissance in the Chinese Basketball Association, is scheduled to visit the country early next week.

Marbury, who now plays for the Beijing Ducks in the CBA, will be stopping over in Manila on June 24 and 25 to touch base with his Filipino fans and finalize talks regarding his shoe and apparel line, Starbury, which he hopes to formally launch in the country later this year.

Marbury is excited to come to Manila after hearing how basketball crazy Filipinos are from the stories of player-agent Sheryl Reyes.

“I can’t wait to be there. I’ve been told how crazy about basketball Filipinos are. I can’t wait to say hello to everyone in a couple of days,” said Marbury, who started his 13-year NBA career as the 4th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1996 teaming up with Kevin Garnett.

Marbury played alongside Garnett in the Timberwolves for three seasons before becoming an NBA journeyman bouncing from New Jersey Nets to Phoenix Suns then New York Knicks before his final NBA stop at Boston Celtics.

He was named to the NBA All Star twice in 2001 and 2003.

In 2006, Marbury launched his Starbury line while playing for the Knicks. After ending his NBA career in 2009, Marbury took his talents and his shoe and apparel line to China.

On December 8, 2006, Marbury launched his Starbury line in New York City. AP File Photo​/Mary Altaffer 

Marbury hopes to create an impact on Philippine soil similar to what he did in China where he spearheaded the Ducks’ championship run last season and made it to the CBA All-Star Game four times. He was also named CBA All-Star MVP in 2010.

“I hope I’d get to share my knowledge as a player not just in China or the Philippines, but all over Asia,” expressed Marbury. “I’ve seen a lot of talented players in the Asian level and I won’t be surprised if more Asian players, including Filipinos, will one day make it to the NBA.”

While in the country, Marbury will also finalize the details of the expansion of his Starbury line.

Marbury hopes the brand, which he promised to be easy on the pocket, will get a share of the market along with its more popular counterparts.

“Growing up in the United States, my mom had a difficult time buying me a pair of shoes because of how expensive it was. So I decided to come up with this new shoe line made affordable to everyone,” he said.

“Instead of buying a pair of shoes worth $150, you can buy Starbury shoes at a more affordable price. You can now have a chance of getting not just a pair, but five pairs of shoes.”

Marbury’s whirlwind visit in the country is made possible by Reyes, who has represented several imports in the PBA.

Highlight of Marbury’s visit will be a fans day at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) on Tuesday, June 25.

Students will get a chance to interact with the 2004 Olympic bronze medalist for two hours, while the other basketball and Marbury fans may send a message to (0923)9932395 or teaml5r@yahoo.com for event passes. Said invites will be given on a first come, first served basis.