Team USA in awe of Filipinos' passion, love for basketball

As soon as they landed in Manila last August 22 for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Team USA instantly felt the warm welcome of the Filipino fans in this basketball-crazy nation.

During their practice at Kerry Sports Manila in Taguig on Sunday, some of the NBA stars shared their awe on how Filipinos have embraced them since they got here.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves said before coming here to Manila, he already knew that most Filipinos are Lakers fans, and felt that more in his first  World Cup game as a Team USA player last Saturday when they won against New Zealand, 99-72.

“It's special to me. I knew coming out here that some are Lakers fans which is lovely and I love that and I appreciate that,” said Reaves, who scored 12 and dished out 6 assists coming off the bench.

Brooklyn Nets' Cam Johnson also said he felt the Filipinos’ passion for basketball.

“It's been a very warm welcome. You can tell that the fans out here are very passionate. You can tell that people really love basketball.”

“I really appreciate that. We appreciate, you know, the love that you shown us.”

Johnson’s teammate, Mikal Bridges, echoed the same sentiment.

“It's great, man! You can tell they watch basketball. The love and support and it’s dope just seeing the excitement that they have.”

Anthony Edwards and Josh Hart both felt the love from the Filipino fans.

“You know they're cheering for us and they are super excited. Continue to do it and we'll try to keep and put on a show for you guys,” said Edwards.

“It's been great! Filipino fans showed us [an] amazing amount of love and it's been dope just to see the fan base,” Hart added.  

Jaren Jackson Jr. only needed four words to let the Filipinos know his feelings.

“I love the Philippines,” said the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Team USA will try to go for a 2-0 card on Monday at 8 p.m. against Greece at the Mall of Asia Arena.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News