PASAY CITY – National Basketball Association (NBA) madness gripped Manila yesterday as players from the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers met the media during their practice sessions at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The two squads will meet this Thursday in the first-ever NBA game to be played in the country as part of the NBA Global Games Philippines 2013, a global event that will feature eight games in six different countries. Cebu Daily News will be right in the middle of it all, as we take you right into the high-octane action with interviews with the stars of both the Rockets and the Pacers.
STAR OF THE SHOW
Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin, the Asian sensation who spawned the international phenomenon known as “Linsanity,” was undoubtedly the star of the show.
The 23-year old, who rose to prominence back in 2011 with an incredible string of explosive performances with the New York Knicks, vowed to give the fans an experience to remember.
“I’m definitely excited. It’s my first time to be in the Philippines. I’m just trying to soak it all in and see what the country has to offer,” Lin told the press right before their practice session under NBA legend and head coach Kevin Mchale.
The Rockets are coming off a 115-116 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans last weekend but Lin hopes that this experience will help them get better heading to the start of the season later this month.
“I think it’s going to be an electric environment. At the end of the day, we hope to keep getting better as a team and hopefully give the fans a fun game to be able to cheer about and witness,” Lin added.
Reports have it that Lin has tweaked his shooting form during the offseason, in an effort to improve on his 44 percent clip from the field last season, a stat that helped him average 13.4 points, 6.1 assists and three rebounds.
“It’s coming along better. It’s a work in progress and it will take time. Sometimes I have to be patient with myself,” Lin quipped.
BIGGER GOALS
With last season’s acquisition of break-out star James Harden and the preseason signing of arguably the league’s best center, Dwight Howard, the Rockets are expected to take the next step forward, especially after getting ousted from the playoffs by the Oklahoman City Thunder last season. Lin is expected to steer this team in that direction.
“We’ve added some great pieces and we think we have a chance to really contend for a championship. It’s the beginning of the journey and we’re just trying to get to the point where we’re clicking on the same page. We have a lot to figure out and not a lot of time to do it,” Lin bared.
Aside from his oncourt play, Lin has gained worldwide support for his refreshing presence in the league, acknowledging that his fame is a result of his faith – things that are highlighted in his well-received documentary called “Linsanity.”
“My faith is very integral not just with me being an athlete but as a person. I’m thankful that people are inspired by the documentary. Hopefully, they can see through the story that they can chase their dreams and pursue their passion regardless of race or size or gender,” he added.