This LeBron James also roots for Steph

MANILA, Philippines – No. This isn’t another twist to the NBA’s most compelling rivalry right now.

Meet LeBron James Manding, 10-year-old point guard for San Sebastian College-Recoletos Under-10 team competing in the Breakdown Basketball Invitationals.

With Manding leading the way for the Staglets, they crushed Marist, 58-26, last Saturday, September 2, during BBI competition at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City.

Manding, who was obviously named after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ star, tallied 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 13 steals. LeBron would have had more assists but his teammates were unable to cap some remarkable passes including some nifty dishes from behind the back passes to cross court chest passes that zipped past unsuspecting opponents.

“When my wife was pregnant, LeBron James was the top player in the world and my favorite,” related the lad’s father, Jake who once played for AMA Computer College. “I am a huge NBA and LeBron fan.”

The missus had no objections.

Jake smiled, “No.”

As for the young Manding…. “I think it’s cool.”

The fifth grader though had a caveat. “I also like Steph Curry! LeBron and Steph!”

The father laughed. “My son tries to also copy Steph’s moves.”

“I saw at an early age meron signs na magaling siya sa laro,” added Jake. “But right now, I want him to enjoy the game.”

In other Breakdown Basketball Invitational matches over the long weekend, Manding’s Staglets squad won two matches and lost one. SSCR defeated Claret, 50-26 yet lost to Ateneo, 65-60. DLSZ crushed Claret in the other U-10 encounter, 61-38.

For the U-14 division, La Salle Antipolo blitzed Skyhawks, 71-35. The luckless Skyhawks also lost in a squeaker, 55-65 to Azul. Letran rolled over RGSMC, 63-31.

In the U17 category, Xavier outlasted Arellano University, 64-59, and Xavier outdueled Masterbox in the end 89-86 behind Martin Sadhwani’s 36 points and 11 rebounds.

For the U-19 division, LSGH smashed Reader 103-57 and UPIS also defeated the former, 88-52.