FRESH off an injury scare in China, Ja Morant brought his trademark energy and athleticism to Manila, ending his 'Make Them Watch' tour with a bang Friday night.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ human highlight reel touched down in the Philippines for the first time during his maiden international trip with Nike.
And from the moment he arrived, he turned Metro Manila into his stage.
Morant started his day at Nike’s flagship store at Bonifacio High Street, hopping into a pickup run with local hoopers in the ‘HoopJeep’ setup.
He later headed to The Courtyard, where he joined some of Philippine basketball’s biggest names — Rhenz Abando, CJ Cansino, Jeron Teng, Ricci Rivero, Jack Animam, and Marga Jimenez — along with standout high school talents for an all-gender exhibition.
Ja know what I mean?
Two days earlier, Morant was in the China leg of his tour and was attempting All-Star Weekend-worthy slams. One of those had him trying to leap over his father Tee, but right before takeoff, he slipped.
Fortunately, the former Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player didn't get injured and was apparently still feeling himself once in the Philippines, as he got up for his most requested rim-rockers, even while in casual clothes.
And in the end, it wasn’t just about the basketball.
The 25-year-old star, fresh off a season averaging 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, soaked in the local culture — dancing with performers, posing for photos, and pulling lucky fans into the action.
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