Manila-bound NBA star DeRozan opens up on breakout season

MANILA, Philippines – Toronto Raptors star Demar DeRozan participated in an exclusive media round table early this morning, expressing delight on his upcoming visit to headline the annual NBA 3X event on July 4-6 at the Mall of Asia grounds.

DeRozan will be visiting the country for the first time, something the swingman is looking forward to.

"I’m definitely excited, it's going to be a great experience for me, and it’s my first time there. I hope to learn about the culture and I'm getting a lot of tweets from the Philippines and I just can't wait to get out there,” said sixth year NBA player.

Drafted ninth overall by the Raptors in 2009, Derozan has played all his NBA years for the team and finally had his breakthrough playoff appearance last season when he helped Toronto reach the postseason.

"Previous seasons were tough with different obstacles in my career. It just pushed me to work extra harder and I got to credit those previous seasons. It wasn't good but it pushed me to be better," said the high-leaping forward.

"I'm going to work on my game more. I felt like I had few weaknesses to work on to get stronger this offseason and continue to be a better all-around player," he added.

The USC product also shared how the city of Toronto has embraced the Raptor, especially during an exciting seven-game playoff series against the veteran-laden Brooklyn Nets squad.

"The fans support was everything and more, I can't explain to words. They were there for us night in and night out. They are always behind us we have thousands of fans outside the arena during the playoffs it was amazing," said Derozan.

Asked what the Raptors need to do to reach the next level, Derozan believes they are only a few pieces away from hitting elite status.

"I think we just need one piece. It could be big, a wing defender. The things we went through the season to go through the adversity, we'll learn from it. Hopefully, we can get all the veteran players back," said Derozan.

The athletic forward had a breakout year, finishing the season with career-high averages of 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 38.2 minutes per game. These numbers catapulted him into his first All-Star game appearance.

"Words can't explain (the feeling of being in the All-Star game). I think every player wants to go to the All-Star game. It is definitely a blessing. It just shows my hard work," he proudly said.

As a youth, DeRozan shared that he tried to emulate the game of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and still watches film of both players to this day.

"I watched (Michael) Jordan and Kobe (Bryant) play since he started in LA where I grew up. I watch a lot of film and try to learn their moves and add it to my game," he said.

The California native will be here next week to and lead the NBA 3X festivities, similar to what fellow NBA stars James Harden and Eric Gordon did last year.

"I'm definitely excited. I can’t wait to get on the plane to get out there. I'm looking to have a lot of fun with the fans and learn the culture," he ended.

The NBA 3X is a national 3-on-3 tournament that features different divisions and aims to showcase Filipinos’ basketball talent.