Kyrie pumped up for ‘Return

MANILA, Philippines — ’ Dallas Mavericks star guard Kyrie Irving sat out the entire 2025-26 NBA season to focus on recovering from surgery to repair a torn left knee ACL that he suffered in a game against the Sacramento Kings the previous campaign. At the time of the incident, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

Without Irving this season, the Mavs wound up 12th in the West with a 26-56 record and the poor finish led to coach Jason Kidd’s dismissal. When Irving returns, he’ll team up with Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and work with new coach Dusty May who led the University of Michigan to the NCAA championship last April.

Irving’s comeback to the NBA is highly-anticipated. And fittingly, “The Return” is the title of his ANTA World Tour that kicked off in Shanghai last Monday. Irving is now in Chengdu and will travel to Shenzhen on Sunday then Jakarta on Tuesday before heading to Las Vegas and New Jersey for his Uncle Drew Circuit. It’s back to Asia for Irving to play two preseason games against Houston in Macau on Oct. 9 and 11. 

Irving was Uncle Drew in a series of Pepsi advertisements in 2012 and the character became a part of his persona through a series of episodes and a movie. He established the Uncle Drew Circuit last year as a high-level youth tournament for 12U and 17U boys and girls. 

The Jakarta stop marks Irving’s comeback to Southeast Asia with his first visit in Bangkok in 2024. So that, too, is a highlight of “The Return.” He’s never been to the Philippines but that’s a trip likely to happen sooner than later. Irving is aware of how big basketball is in the country and no doubt, he’s looking forward to a visit to experience the love for the game. Reaching out to Irving’s Filipino fans, ANTA Philippines conducted a contest to choose five winners of a “Golden Ticket” to watch Irving’s event in Jakarta.

Irving’s partnership with ANTA has produced a line of signature footwear, apparel and accessories with the “KAI” collection a popular must-have among sports enthusiasts. Irving himself was involved in conceptualizing the various KAI shoe models like “Triple Black,” “Mastery,” “431HZ,” “Mentality,” “Patchwork,” “Calcite” and “Chinese New Year.” When Irving signed a five-year endorsement deal with ANTA in 2023, he took on the role as Chief Creative Officer. By the way, ANTA is now the third largest sportswear brand in the world and is the PBA’s official footwear.

In Jakarta, Irving will be at the sidelines to witness an exhibition 3x3 game between NCAA champion San Beda University and a professional Indonesian team. Playing for the Red Lions are Jomel Puno, Daniel Marcelo, Aldous Torculas and Zedjay Etulle. Coach Yuri Escueta will accompany the squad. “We feel blessed to be able to represent our university, the Philippines and ANTA,” said Escueta. “As a big Kyrie fan myself, having the opportunity to see Kyrie in person is an experience I’m excited for. San Beda has taught us to play at a certain level of excellence. At KAI Tour-Jakarta, we want to represent the school as well as the country by showing passion, toughness and the Puso that Filipino basketball is known for.”