MANILA, Philippines -- More than 10 years since his first visit to the Philippines, streetball legend Grayson Boucher is excited to once again touch base with his Filipino fans.
Known to streetball fans as “The Professor”, Boucher first came to Manila in 2004 as part of his former crew’s world tour. This time around, Boucher, will be traveling with the Ball Up Streetball All-Stars who will banner Team Gawad Kalinga, to be coached by no less than former National Basketball Association (NBA) MVP Allen Inverson, against a local selection in a charity basketball event aimed to raise funds to build shelter for homeless Filipinos families.
They will be battling Team PCWorx composed of players from the UAAP, led by reigning MVP Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, and NCAA and reinforced by former PBA stalwarts Jerry Codiñera, Marlou Aquino, Renren Ritualo, and Willie Miller as well as former NBA stars Eddy Curry and DerMarr Johnson for the fundraiser dubbed as “All In”. The said event will take place on November 5, 7pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
One of the things Boucher is most looking forward to is being welcomed back by Pinoys with such enthusiasm.
“I'm most looking forward to the crowd energy during the game. I remember the games I had in Manila about 10 years ago. They were incredible because the fans were so excited!” said Boucher in an e-mail.
Boucher added that apart from his first visit a decade ago, he is also aware of how popular the game of hoops is in the country mainly because of social media.
“Yes, I'm very aware of the popularity of basketball in the Philippines. Mainly because of social media. A huge percentage of my (online) viewers and international fans are Filipinos,” Boucher stated.
He also expressed how big of a fan he is of Iverson, whom he and Ball Up have worked with in the past, and that he can’t wait to touchdown in Manila and once again showcase his wares to Pinoy fans alongside his idol.
“It's an incredible experience and an honor for me to work with Allen because he was one of the first players I tried to emulate on the basketball court. When I was in 6th grade, I was known as the little white kid with the crazy AI crossover. So his career had tremendous influence over how I played and how my game developed as a youth.”
“To my Filipino fans, I am very thankful of your support and truly appreciate it. And I'm humbled that God is allowing me to return to the Philippines to play once again, more than 10 years after my first time visiting there. Look forward to seeing everyone soon!”
Meanwhile, tickets to the “All In” charity game, presented by PCWorx, are still available online at www.smtickets.com, all SM Tickets outlets, and select PCWorx branches. Ticket prices are pegged at P6,500 (VIP), P5,500 (Patron), P4,000 (Lower Box), P2,000 (Upper Box), and P600 (General Admission).