In his first tour after ending a storied 20-year NBA career, Kobe Bean Bryant capped his Saturday night visit in Manila with a fan-appreciation night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
A jam-packed Big Dome reminisced with highlights from Bryant’s illustrious run to the top as fans waited for years to see one of the most prolific scorers in this generation make his return to Manila.
Early in the afternoon select UAAP athletes, which had names like Jeron Teng, Mac Belo, Thirdy Ravena, and Mike Tolomio, were pitted against a PBA five consisting of Chris Ellis, Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Jarred Dillinger, and Baser Amer. It was a situational 12-minute fourth quarter-scenerio wherein the collegiate group were down 78-70 and had to make a comeback attempt with Bryant calling the shots.
After a quick layup by Newsome in the opening minute, Bryant quickly called a timeout to try and fire-up his squad. Despite a couple of baskets that stirred up the crowd in favor of Kobe’s team, the professionals still pulled off a 110-95 ending.
The Manila crowd chanted the superstar’s name all throughout the simulation with hopes of Bryant entering the game. However, the Los Angeles-icon remained on the sidelines and watched the players ball it out.
Before the game, he had a short training session with the selection that included shooting and conditioning drills. Bryant, on his part, is known for his incredible work ethic and countless hours spent in the gym.
“There’s so much value in teaching. It’s so much enjoyment when it comes from a player,” Bryant said, who vowed to spread the Mamba Mentality across all continents. At present he shared that the grind will never stop for him in saying, “It’s always important to me to stay in shape. I still work out, still training.”
This is Bryant’s seventh time to visit the country. Throughout the years, his view about the Filipino’s love of the game stayed the same. “I was excited, it’s so fun to come here. The energy for the game, so much passion for the game. I enjoy it every time,” Bryant admitted. “I feel like I’m in the Staples Center”
To cap off the event, Kobe was given a video tribute showing how he has influenced the Filipino people. He was then presented with a special banner to commemorate his works and influence to the Filipino youth.
The banner will forever be present above the rafters of the Big Dome.
