Tony Parker has traveled the world through basketball, but only twice has that journey brought him to the Philippines.
A decade after his first visit, one thing still stood out to the four-time NBA champion above everything else.
“The people,” Parker said during a visit to the ArenaPlus booth at the inaugural NBA House Philippines on Sunday, Aug. 30, at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City. “Everybody is so passionate. I love it.”
That passion was on full display throughout NBA House Philippines presented by Gatorade, where Filipino fans packed the two-day event to take part in basketball activities and get a closer look at Parker and fellow basketball greats Jason Kidd and Lauren Jackson.
During his stop at the booth of the Philippines’ No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed sportsbook, Parker took a turn at the ArenaPlus Shootout Challenge, knocking down a couple of baskets before posing for photos with ArenaPlus employees, executives, and VIPs.
Parker’s history with the Philippines stretches back to 2016, when he first came to Manila to represent the French Men’s National Team at an Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which eventually resulted in France earning a spot at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
What was the one thing that stood out in Tony Parker’s most recent visit to the Philippines? “The People.”
Ten years later, Parker returned under vastly different circumstances — not as a player chasing an Olympic berth, but with the perspective of an NBA legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member that had long secured its place in basketball history.
“I like the whole atmosphere,” Parker said. “The whole energy is amazing.”
Parker vs. Kidd
In the 2003 NBA Finals, Parker and Kidd squared off in a thrilling series which the San Antonio Spurs won in six games against the New Jersey Nets. Now over two decades later, Parker scored one over Kidd again as Team Parker defeated Team Kidd, 97-76 in Saturday’s NBA House Celebrity Showcase featuring Filipino athletes, entertainers, and personalities.
His turn at the ArenaPlus Shootout Challenge likewise offered a reminder of the touch behind a career that produced four NBA championships, six NBA All-Star selections, and the 2007 NBA Finals MVP award, becoming the first European-born player to win the honor.
Seven years removed from his final NBA game, Parker has found different ways to keep basketball close.
“Nothing compares to playing,” Parker said. “But now I’m coaching, and I love it. I want to give back. I want to share my experiences, so I take a lot of joy in that.”
That connection to the game brought Parker back to the Philippines and once again in front of the fans who first welcomed him 10 years ago.
The circumstances may have changed but Parker found one thing about the Philippines remained unmistakably familiar: the passion of its people for the game of basketball.
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