By and large, the Philippines is a basketball country. The ubiquity of basketball rings found in every corner of the nation is a testament to this; so is the constant chatter prompted by even the smallest local or international tidbit about the sport. And the latest piece of news that has sent Filipino hoop-fans abuzz is the return of Chicago Bulls superstar, and adidas icon Derrick Rose to the Philippines.
D Rose, as he is often referred to by fans, is a slashing point guard who was recognized as the league’s rookie of the year in 2009 and most valuable player in 2011. As part of the adidas D Rose Tour, which has recently concluded its European and Asian legs, the famed point guard visits Manila for the second time, and is giving fans the rare opportunity to meet the famed NBA superstar.
To kick off his arrival in Manila on September 14, Rose attended the adidas Unite All Originals party as the guest of honor and followed it up with exhibition games for the D Rose Tour 3 on 3 grand finals the next day.
Held at the Araneta Coliseum where Rose played in during his previous visit, fans of the athlete were given a chance to see Rose live. The competition brought together 16 teams made up of high school athletes from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines, where the winning teams were given the honor of playing in front of and being awarded by the superstar himself.
“This tour is an expansive effort to connect Derrick Rose with his fans and support the growth of basketball on an international scale,
– Georges Youssef, Country Manager, adidas Philippines
Rose concludes his Philippine visit with a 2k13 video game challenge at the SM Mall of Asia, where the winner of the tournament, Albert Sarabia, had the rare chance of playing against Derrick Rose.
The adidas D Rose Tour is supported by the official hotel partner, Marriott Hotel, the official hydration partner, Powerade and the venue partners Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia.