At around 9:35 in the evening, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas reinforcement and potential Gilas Pilipinas candidate Isaiah Austin arrived in Manila.
It took at least 19 hours for him to get to the Philippines, coming from a 12-hour flight from San Diego, California to Tokyo, Japan and then seven hours from Tokyo to Manila.
But as he entered the lobby of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1, the 7-foot-1 big man was all smiles.
“I’m planning to stay here.
“A lot of my friends have been talking about the Philippines and how big basketball is here,” the 24-year-old opened up.
However, it was tough for Austin to leave California, as he and his girlfriend had welcomed their son just four months ago. He is hoping though to bring his son here once he gets older.
“He’s too young to travel now but one day, hopefully we can go around the Philippines,” he confessed.
Though it was tough, Austin had a job to do.
Before he arrived at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel to meet Gilas head coach Chot Reyes and team manager Butch Antonio at around 10:55 in the evening, the product of the Baylor basketball program vowed that he will be here for the long haul.
“Once the FIBA tournament’s done, I’m planning to come back here,” he said as he will begin training with Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas on Wednesday.
“I’m ready. Hopefully, I get to stay here and play for Gilas.”
As he came out of his service car, a small flock of people crowded around him, asking for photos — including two local celebrities. And he felt right at home already.
