Thrilling moment as Morant captivates Philippine audience during initial visit
Ja Morant's Thrilling Visit to the Philippines
NBA star Ja Morant, guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, recently made a memorable visit to the Philippines, marking his first time in the country. The final stop on his third Nike signature tour, "Make Them Watch," electrified the local basketball culture.
Morant's visit was a whirlwind of excitement, beginning with his unique entrance on a hoop jeepney. He then performed the "griddy" with Filipino dancers, showcasing his energetic personality and connection with the local culture.
At The Courtyard in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Morant engaged with fans, showcasing his workouts up-close and giving mentorship to local youth. He also participated in spirited exhibition basketball games, sharing the court with Filipino hoop stars such as San Miguel's Jeron Teng, Phoenix's Ricci Rivero, and La Salle's Marga Jimenez.
CJ Cansino, Jack Animam, and viral Palarong Pambansa standout Andrei Ugaddan played for Team Barangay, while Rhenz Abando led the team and received a high five from Morant after his own dunk. Morant himself delivered several breathtaking moments, including two powerful dunks and a thunderous slam after catching an alley-oop.
Notable moments during the tour included Morant's interaction with a fan, granting a birthday wish by pulling him from the stands for a photo and gifting him a pair of Ja 3s. The event was also marked by Morant's high-energy drills, streetball style, and enthusiastic connection with young athletes watching and joining the events.
Visual highlights captured Morant's skills and fun moments such as him dancing, adding a personal touch to the tour experience for his Filipino supporters. Overall, Morant's visit was not only a showcase of his basketball talent but also a meaningful cultural exchange and source of inspiration during the "Make Them Watch" tour’s Manila leg.
Despite having no media availability during the event, Morant's impact on the Philippine basketball community was undeniable. Another supporter, who has a tattoo of Morant's face, received the guard's autograph on the same spot as preparation for his next tattoo session, a testament to the lasting impression Morant made on his fans.
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- Ja Morant's visit to the Philippines, during the "Make Them Watch" tour's Manila leg, significantly impacted the local basketball culture.
- The basketball court in Bonifacio Global City, Manila, played host to an exciting exhibition game featuring Ja Morant and Filipino NBA hopefuls, such as San Miguel's Jeron Teng, Phoenix's Ricci Rivero, and La Salle's Marga Jimenez.
- Beyond showcasing his basketball prowess, Ja Morant also connected with the Filipino culture by performing the "griddy" with local dancers and engaging with young athletes, solidifying his bond with the Philippine basketball community.
