CHRIS Tiu, Chris Lutz, and Mac Cardona can't wait to see some of the world's best players in action in the first NBA preseason game to be played in the country.
Tiu, Lutz, and Cardona, along with several other PBA stars went to the Mall of Asia on Tuesday to grace the official announcement of the Houston Rockets vs Indiana Pacers preseason game in Manila in August.
“Very excited,” said Tiu, the Rain or Shine rookie. “It’s the first time it’s going to happen. We are one of the biggest markets after US and China, I believe. I’m sure it’s going to be a great treat.”
Lutz is not new to watching NBA basketball, having regularly seen the Celtics play when he was living in nearby New Hampshire but he still looks forward to seeing the superstars play in Manila.
“It’s really exciting and I definitely want to watch that game,” said the Petron Blaze Booster. “I’m sure it’s going to be packed and it’s just going to be exciting for all the fans. It’s going to be a great show.”
Unlike Lutz, Cardona, the star of the Meralco Bolts, said he has never watched an NBA game before, the reason he is looking forward to seeing the game.
“Siyempre masaya dahil first-ever sa Pilipinas ‘yan,” said Cardona, a Los Angeles Lakers fan. “Sobrang excited.”
Will he still watch the game even though it’s not his beloved Lakers that will be playing?
“Oo naman, siyempre. Iba ang NBA. Hindi pa ako nakakapanood ng NBA live pero sana this October makapanood ako. We look up to NBA players so happy kami,” Cardona said.
Being a fan deep inside, Tiu hopes that he could get free passes so that he can see the players in person.
“Personally, I’m excited. Hopefully, I can get special passes or courtside seats so that I won’t be spending. Because I’m sure it won’t be cheap,” Tiu said.
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