LeBron wows, inspires in ‘Strive for Greatness’

MANILA, Philippines -  LeBron James yesterday opened his “Strive for Greatness” tour by holding a special training session with Gilas Pilipinas’ cadet team at the Kerry Sports Gym at BGC and a basketball clinic for less fortunate kids at an open court at the Tenement in Taguig City.

James, one of the greatest to play the game, watched Gilas cadet players that included Kiefer Ravena, Baser Amer, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and Kai Sotto before he joined them and taught some moves he used in the NBA where he won three championships, three Finals MVPs and four MVP trophies.

After he was done, he sat out with select media men and answered questions sent beforehand from popular sports host Boom Gonzales.

James also launched brand new editions of his Nike signature brand – the Air Zoom Generation.

The shoe was released in its original black, white and university red colorway that James wore in his very first NBA game versus the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 29, 2003.

The brand was available in limited quantities yesterday at the Titan Fort via special raffle.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star talked about hard work, dreaming big and some of his secret to his current success while apologizing for almost reneging on his promise to return.

“I’d like to apologize because I promised to return last time I was here and it took a long time,” said James, who first visited the country in 2013 via “Witness History” and two years later via “Nike Rise” program.

He didn’t talk about Kyrie Irving, his former teammate who was shipped to the Boston Celtics, nor about his new teammates like Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder.

People didn’t care though as fans were just happy to see James in person.

James then proceeded to the Tenement where he talked to kids and finally capped his busy day by putting on a show for his fans at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

He will leave early today for the second leg of the “Strive for Greatness” tour in China.