He’s been to the Philippines 10 years ago.
When Dwight Howard was playing for the Houston Rockets, he came to the Philippines by way of a 2013 NBA preseason game against the Indiana Pacers. He was no crowd-favorite back then, mostly because of his falling out with ex-teammate and revered Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.
For now, he’s playing in Taiwan for the Taoyuan Leopards. That’s sounds strange for someone who claims to be among best centers in NBA history, nay, top 10 all-time. The real ones, however, won’t be too quick to dismiss Howard’s flex.
One of those real ones was a Filipino basketball fanatic, who according to Dwight flew in just to see him play in the T1 League. On Thursday, Howard posted on Instagram their encounter, where he was seen losing his mind.
“I was the born there (Philippines), yeah, Filipino,” the fan told the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Howard, in disbelief, tried to goof his way into coming up with a response.
“Phili-pip-pines,” he said while pointing at his new friend.
The eight-time NBA All-Star, who also admitted to be "getting so much love from the Philippines," made sure to shout out the rest of his Filipino supporters in the IG post.
“This fan came from the Philippines to see me play in Taiwan," he wrote. "It’s just a blessing to have people want to travel to wherever I am just to see me play the sport I love.”
So, is a visit to the Philippines in place for the big man? He spoke in Filipino to see if it’s bound to happen.
“Comment PH kung gusto mong bumisita ako sa Pilipinas,” Howard wrote.
Of course, he got hit with the PH comment aplenty.
(GM)