KD thrills Philippine hoops fans
NBA superstar Kevin Durant gave the hoops-crazed Filipino fans a grand treat during his Rise Grind Shine Again Manila Tour on Sunday.
Durant, a two-time champion with the Golden State Warriors, was in the country for the second time, and first under sportswear giant Nike to promote the KD11 basketball shoes.
The hoops superstar also conducted a basketball clinic at the Nike Hyper Court.
Kevin Durant of The Golden State Warriors plays hoops with Filipino cagers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. PHOTO BY RUSSELL PALMA
Durant shared his story as a player and a Nike ambassador during a media session at the Whitespace Manila.
“It’s been a movie. It’s a roller coaster. (There are) so many different emotions that go with this journey,” said Durant.
The sweet-shooting 6-foot-11 forward has indeed gone a long way from being a skinny kid in Maryland to being one of the most popular athletes in the world.
“I’m just right in it. It’s too far to look back and too far to know what’s gonna happen tomorrow. I just stand in the moment the best that I can and try to get as much as I can.”
Durant also shared his thoughts on Demarcus Cousins’ surprise signing with the already star-studded Warriors. The Golden State, in June, grabbed its second straight title and third in four years after sweeping the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers.
“We’re very excited about working with him. It’s going to be a fun year, a new season for us,” said the nine-time All-Star veteran.
Durant and Cousins got ejected for a spat in a game last season. The former New Orleans center was even reported looking for the Golden State forward in the dugout.
But Durant said he is now more than willing to put the unfortunate event behind as the Warriors seek for a three-peat.
“Last year, we were just competitive over and over again. We needed an injection of energy and I think Demarcus will provide that for us,” he added.
Durant concluded his Manila leg tour with an exhibition game pitting his Nike KD Hyper Court Team against the Nike UAAP All-Stars at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The locals won 82-85 but Pinoy fans were delighted to see Durant’s thunderous dunks and impeccable long-range shots live.
Durant first came to the Philippines in 2011 to team up with Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, James Harden and other NBA stars in a charity game against PBA stalwarts.
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