MANILA, Philippines – Things just got better for the exhibition game between Gilas Pilipinas and NBA players selection as three new names were included in the charity event to be held later this month.
Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas president and business tycoon Manny Pangilinan once again delivered the news through his Twitter account on Tuesday morning, announcing the arrival of 2014 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs.
He added that free agent playmaker Kyle Lowry and Nick Johnson, the Houston Rockets' 42nd pick of the NBA Draft, will also participate.
RELATED: Tickets out for Gilas exhibition with NBA stars
Excited to greet the 1st of July w news that Nick Johnson, Kyle Lowry, & FINALS MVP Kawhi Leonard joining us for PLDT's #GilasLastHOMEStand
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) June 30, 2014 The event, dubbed as PLDTHome: The Last Home Stand All-Star Charity Event, will serve as a sendoff game for the national basketball team before competing in the FIBA World Cup this August in Spain.
Pangilinan first announced the coming of LA Clippers' Blake Griffin, Brooklyn Nets' Paul Pierce, Portland Trailblazers' Damian Lillard and Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan.
The exhibition game serves as Pangilinan's way of celebrating his 68th birthday.
RELATED: MVP to assemble NBA stars anew for exhibition
The proceeds of the two-day event this July 22 and 23 will be donated to Philippine Disaster Relief Foundation (PDRF).
In 2011, Pangilinan brought to the Philippines NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Derrick Williams, Derek Fisher, Tyreke Evans and JaVale McGee, who played against a PBA selection and Gilas Pilipinas.