Kramer, mediamen triumph in KFC Shootout

MANILA, Philippines - PBA player Doug Kramer and his Team KFC completed a twinkill as they emerged victorious in the first KFC Fully Loaded Shootout held at the KFC Mall of Asia in Pasay.

Kramer of the San Miguel Beermen edged out Toronto Raptors forward and National Basketball Association All-Star DeMar DeRozan, 23-21, in a 60-second shootout before cheering fans at the makeshift gallery inside the KFC restaurant.

Team Media, carrying the banner of Team KFC, made it a double celebration for Kramer as the trio of media men Randy Caluag, Matt Ardina and Lito Oredo emerged champion after four rounds of shootout in the event held in line with the NBA 3X, an annual event of the NBA in the Philippines.

“Buti na lang nag-practice ako sa mall kahapon,” said the smiling Kramer, who was cheered on by his three lovely kids and wife Cheska. Their family is more popularly known as the Team Kramer on a reality TV show.

Team Media hurdled Team Funshots and Tropang Chillers one after the other in the Team KFC bracket before outscoring Team NBA’s Walang Iwanan composed of Mark Ryan Armada, Jek Magbuhos and Joric Rivera, 32-24, in the final shootout.

It was all for the spirit of fun and a delightful welcome to DeRozan, the NBA 2011 slam dunk champion who helped steer the Toronto Raptors back into the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2007-2008 season.

After the competition, Kramer and DeRozan gamely mingled with the fans.