NBA players definitely know that Filipinos will show up to watch their games in the tournament.
It’s no secret that the Philippines is a basketball-crazed country.
The upcoming FIBA World Cup is not just an opportunity for Filipinos to see some of the NBA's biggest and brightest stars. The tournament can also be a way for international players to know more about the Philippines and experience the support of Filipino fans.
That’s exactly what Team USA’s Paolo Banchero and Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic are expecting once they arrive in Manila for the tournament.
For Banchero, this year's FIBA World Cup will mark his first time playing outside the United States, making his debut in the quadrennial hoops event more special.
“I've never experienced [playing] anywhere else but America, so getting a chance to play there, being in front of their fans. I think it's gonna be a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said the Orlando Magic big man, who's also the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year.
“I'm sure it's going to be a crazy crowd. I'm sure it's gonna be a packed house, so I can't wait to get there,” Banchero added.
Bogdanovic, on the other hand, already knows how Filipinos can root hard for the national team.
Back in the 2019 FIBA World Cup hosted by Beijing, Serbia faced the Philippines in Group D. The Serbians dominated Gilas in their preliminaries matchup, 126–67.
Despite the easy win, the Atlanta Hawks sniper vividly remembered the game's atmosphere.
“I know when we played them in China, it was really crowded and they have a big support, so I'm looking forward to see how they are as fans.”
If there’s one thing that teams can expect when they arrive in Manila, it’s that Filipinos will also be in the stands, cheering them on—except of course if they face Gilas.
(GM)