MANILA, Philippines – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke and NBA Legend Horace Grant will visit the Philippines to celebrate the NBA Playoffs with Filipino fans. The Oklahoma City Thunder dance team – the Thunder Girls – and Charlotte Hornets mascot Hugo the Hornet will also make appearances and interact with fans.
As a proud Fil-Am, I am really looking forward to my upcoming visit to the Philippines. The Pinoy fans have been very supportive of me all year long, and I can’t wait to thank them in person. – Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers
NBA Cafe Manila will host two NBA Playoffs viewing parties for Filipino fans, showcasing the Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. Clarkson and Burke will attend viewing parties for Games 2 and 3 on May 22 and 24 (Philippines time), with Grant joining for Game 3. Clarkson, Burke and Grant will also conduct an NBA Cares basketball clinic for 60 underprivileged local youth from Project Pearls – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help underprivileged children lead a better life through education – and make an appearance at the NBA Store on May 23.
Fans can reserve their spot to attend the viewing parties, meet with the NBA players, and win exclusive NBA-themed prizes.
The NBA Playoffs have been tremendous so far, and I can’t wait to watch the Conference Finals with arguably the most passionate basketball fans in the world. Trey Burke, Utah Jazz
Jordan Clarkson was drafted 46th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft and was named to the 2014-15 NBA All-Rookie First Team. Clarkson ranked second among rookies in points per game (11.9), third in assists per game (3.6) and free throw percentage (.829), fourth in field goal percentage (.448), and 13th in rebounds per game (3.2).
Trey Burke was drafted ninth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft and was named to the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie First Team. Burke averaged 12.8 points, 4.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game in his sophomore season and was selected to participate in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at NBA All-Star 2015 in New York City.
I have been eager to return to the Philippines since my first visit in 2011. I still remember the fans’ passion and deep knowledge of basketball and the NBA. There is no better way to celebrate the game than to share the excitement of the NBA Playoffs with these Filipino fans. – Horace Grant, NBA Legend and four-time NBA Champion
Horace Grant is a four-time NBA Champion (1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93 with the Chicago Bulls; 2000-01 with the Los Angeles Lakers) and a former NBA All-Star (1994). Grant previously visited the Philippines in 2011 for NBA 3X Philippines.
Visit www.nba.com/nbacafe and follow NBA Cafe Manila on Facebook and Twitter for more information on the viewing party. For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and follow us on and Twitter.
(photo: Mark J. Rebilas USA TODAY Sports, Rusell Isabella USA TODAY Sports, thehoopdoctors.com)