#LastHomeStand In the press it was plain there would be a match. Why not correct the press?: http://t.co/cQ8KL9Br1U pic.twitter.com/TKckQ00R4p
— Craig Burrows, MBE (@craigburrows) July 22, 2014
An All Star team of NBA players is currently in the Philippines for what fans there thought was going to be a series of exhibition games to raise money for the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation.
Paul George, Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, Demar De Rozan, and Kawhi Leonard headlined a 12-man contingent that, fans believed, would take on their national team a couple of times before the World Cup of Basketball. They believed it because multiple media reports there promoted it as such.
All-Star guard Paul George has vowed to give Gilas Pilipinas a real workout as quoted from his Twitter account.
Proceeds of the two-day exhibition matches will go the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation and Caritas Manila. Tickets are still available at ticketnet.com.ph with ticket prices starting at P750. [note: approx. $20 dollars]
“I’ve been here a couple of times and these fans are amazing. They’re crazy over basketball and we played a preseason game here with the Pacers last year and the crowd was amazing. So it’s good to be back,” said Harden, who is here for the fourth time.
Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Indiana Pacers’ Paul George, Dallas Mavericks’ Tyson Chandler, Raptors’ Kyle Lowry and Terrence Ross, Los Angeles Lakers’ Ed Davis and rookie Nick Johnson complete the 12-man NBA lineup.
Apart from two exhibition games vs the Nationals, there will also be a three-point shootout and a slam dunk competition.
“I think these guys’ commitment to come over and participate makes it very special. It definitely is a chance to work with the national team and to give them a chance before they go and play their friendlies and before they go competing in Spain,” said former NBA guard John Lucas, who will steer the Fibr All-Stars.
But then, with fans packing the place to see what many thought was a game… when…
#BREAKING: Coach Chot Reyes, PLDT’s Ariel Fermin say there won’t be a game, but rather an open practice with drills, skills challenges
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) July 22, 2014
And then…
“This is bullshit.” Disappointed fan at the #LastHomeStand says after a supposed exhibition between Gilas and All-Stars was cancelled.
— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongco) July 22, 2014
“This is the worst sporting event I’ve ever been to.” #LastHomeStand
— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongco) July 22, 2014
According to media reports, Filipino players were told they were playing, and then were told a few hours before the event that there’d be no game after an NBA rep advised players not to participate in an unsanctioned game.
The group that put on the event swore to local media that games were never promised. But it’s clear the fans were expecting one. Once they found out the games became a glorified practice, they demanded refunds, and, because the internet exists, memed the crap out of it.
#lasthomestand pic.twitter.com/oV14uM5Pp0
— Frederick Francisco (@fjfrancisco) July 22, 2014
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MVP and PLDT reps be like…. #LastHomeStand pic.twitter.com/KdU5nRu3C5
— Mac Roxas (@TheRealMacRoxas) July 22, 2014
You think this is a game?! Hahaha #LasthomeStand naging #GilasLastHomePractice@LakersNation_PH@smartgilasph
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