Ex-NBA star Marbury in town to promote shoe line

MANILA, Philippines – Former NBA All-Star guard Stephon Marbury is in town to connect with his Filipino fans and introduce his brand of shoes and apparel.

Dubbed as the "Bigger than Basketball Tour", Marbury arrived in the country Monday from Malaysia where he was invited to be a judge in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

The two-time NBA All-Star and former Olympic bronze medalist was well received by his Filipino fans in a meet-and-greet session at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies in Pasay City.

"Everybody has been hospitable and very kind and I'm thankful for that," said Marbury, whose Asian agent Sheryl Reyes made his Philippine trip possible.

Aside from touching base with his Filipino fans, Marbury is here primarily to talk with prospective distributors of his Starbury, a very affordable shoe and apparel line, which he hopes to launch in the country later this year.

"I am here specifically to bring my brand – the Starbury – and to give back to the country by bringing something affordable and create some revenues to be able to give to charities here," said the 36-year-old guard, who is now based in China.

While here in the country, Marbury also used this opportunity to extend his help by giving a financial aid to Ahon Pamilyang Lansangan Foundation, an adopted charity of the National Press Club which hosted his press conference.

Marbury’s soft heart for the needy was overshadowed by his troubles in the NBA, which took its lowest point in his hometown New York with his well-chronicled public feuds with his coaches Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas.  But since migrating to China at the turn of the decade, Marbury has lived a quiet life full of positives that was highlighted by winning his first championship with the Beijing Ducks in 2012.

He attributed his charitable heart to his mother, who have helped charitable institutions around the world.

"I got this from my mother. Before when I was young, she would send out money to different charities around the world," Marbury said.

Marbury claimed that his Starbury line is made of the same quality materials with that of the bigger sporting brands that are also being manufactured in China. But the New York streetball legend said he's not keen on competing with them but giving a cheaper alternative which will also help his philanthropy.

"I'm not here to compete with them but I'm here to bring quality products that are affordable for those parents who can't buy their kids shoes that cost 150 dollars," Marbury said. “With that amount of money, you can buy around five pairs of my sneakers."

He also promised that 10 percent of his Starbury lines' profits will go to charity.

"It's not just about the money, but it's the opportunity to help," said Marbury, who enjoyed a colorful 13-year career in the NBA with Minnesota, New Jersey, Phoenix, New York and Boston.

Marbury will return to China Wednesday where a fresh three-year deal in the CBA awaits him.