Kyrie returns to Southeast Asia

Jakarta’s high-end Pondok Indah Mall City Hall was transformed into a basketball paradise as NBA star Kyrie Irving presided in a 2 1/2 hour event marking his return to Southeast Asia on an ANTA-sponsored World Tour that started in Shanghai then moved to Chengdu and Shenzhen before landing in the Indonesian capital last Tuesday. His first visit to the region was in Bangkok two years ago.

Irving, 34, was embraced by Indonesian fans like a rock star. He visited the newly-opened ANTA store and the ANTA space at Foot Locker in the mall then sat with 19 media reps from Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines for a 15-minute session conducted by local sports host Muthia Rachmi. Sitting for the Philippines were Reuben Terrado of Spin, Justine Bacnis of Tiebreaker Times, Patrick Edrozo of Hoopjunkie, Naveen Ganglani of ALL-STAR Magazine and this writer of The Philippine STAR. Heading the Philippine group was ANTA Philippines head of marketing Mikko Abello, assisted by basketball specialist Josh Villarba.

The press conference wasn’t a traditional open forum. The reps submitted questions a week before the event and Irving’s staff chose one from each country for Muthia to ask. Vietnam’s three writers wore red leaf hats with Irving’s face painted on the surface with his logo and the words “Love from Vietnam.” Irving’s humility was evident as he spoke from the heart, often referring to the challenges in his career and how he endured every test by showing patience, faith in God and trust in the process.

While the press conference was ongoing, there was 3x3 action on a makeshift court that had benches on both sidelines and a half-circular cordon for fans to stand behind. Playing the game were San Beda and an Indonesian all-star team made up of veterans 6-0 Kevin Moses Poetiray, 31, 6-2 Sandy Ibrahim, 29, 6-2 Surliyadin Iton, 35, 6-1 Rio Disi, 33 and 6-0 Althof Satrio, 28. The Red Lions were 5-11 Dan Marcelo, 6-5 Jomel Puno, 6-5 Zed Etulle and 6-4 Aldous Torculas – all under 25. The exhibition was a treat for fans as both teams gave way for players to dunk and shoot open threes, counted as twos. Torculas, who suffered an ankle sprain in an Agusan del Sur tournament last Saturday, played sparingly but contributed to San Beda’s 67-65 win in a unique 3x3 contest split into two 15-minute halves. The Lions ended the half on top, 28-24 then Indonesia roared back to erect a nine-point lead but Marcelo waxed hot from the perimeter and hit the winning two-pointer with five seconds left. San Beda coach Yuri Escueta watched from the stands as no coaching is allowed in 3x3.

From the press conference, Irving walked onto the court after the 3x3 game and watched dancers entertain the crowd. Then, he greeted the fans, answered questions from Muthia, coached opposite Indonesian legend Ali Budimansyah in a 4x4 youth halfcourt game, posed for photographs, signed autographs and mingled with fans. Irving’s father Drederick, who played at Boston University and as an import in Australia, was also on the tour with two daughters and two grandkids aside from other members of the family. Like father, like son as both are signed to ANTA shoe deals. In tomorrow’s column, Irving will share his insights on life, family, love for the game and what drives him.