Rockets’ Chandler Parsons opens up, admits he had dinner with KC Concepcion

Chandler Parsons is easily one of the most eagerly sought-after personalities among the Houston Rockets here now in the Philippines for NBA Global Games 2013. Fans love his talent, his engaging personality, and, for the female members of the media present at the Mall of Asia Arena, his good looks. Chandler could easily be mistaken for a movie actor (a very tall one) rather than a basketball player if he walked through the mall. Days before his arrival, I recall seeing tweets from my lady friends about having first dibs on Parsons. Ok, whatever.

Up front, Chandler, just 24, told me he likes the Philippines. While trying to get rid of jetlag, he was able to walk around the mall and look around. He especially loves the passion for the game of basketball that Filipino fans have and can’t wait to play before them in the preseason game scheduled against the Indiana Pacers on 10 October 2013.

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I asked him what his role would be in the Rockets’ attack this coming season, and he said he would do whatever he needs to do night in and night out, whether it is to guard the opponents’ best offensive player or score twenty points to help his team. He said that he has worked very hard to get better and considers himself one of the best players in the NBA. He can hit shots and score the ball, and put pressure on the defense. He knows that he can help draw double-teams and maybe make things easier for his teammates like All-Stars Dwight Howard and James Harden.

I mentioned to him that I was able to catch the Rockets’ preseason game versus the New Orleans Pelicans the other day, and Rockets analyst Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, a Hall of Famer, NBA Champion with the Rockets, and also currently in Manila with the Global Games entourage, predicted that Parsons would be an All-Star this season. He reacted by saying that those were huge words from one of the best to ever play the game and that being an All-Star is definitely one of his goals, but the most important thing for him is that his team has to do well. He averaged about sixteen points per game and thinks he can up his average this coming season.

I then confronted Chandler with the reality that the female fans here in the Philippines are crazy about him and asked him to send out a message to all his Pinay admirers. He had a huge smile on his face and looked flushed as he said, “Thank you, it’s been awesome, the support they give.” He said he received so many messages via Twitter and other channels and appreciates them all so much and hopes that all of these fans come out and support the team.

But it appears one Filipina already has a big headstart. Stories of Parsons’ Twitter friendship with Filipina celebrity KC Concepcion were recalled amongst media members during a Wednesday morning media session, and Chandler admitted that he indeed had dinner with her on Tuesday night. The two famously exchanged Twitter messages last April.

"I did," was his reply upon being asked if he had met with KC already since the Rockets' arrival last Monday. He added that a "mutual friend" arranged the dinner-date. Will it lead to something bigger? Parsons simply said he hopes they can see each other again in the future.

In his career, both in college at Florida and with the Rockets, Chandler has developed a reputation for being a clutch player, hitting big shots from different spots, to help his team tie or win close ballgames. Seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry, now also here in Manila with the group, is a former Rocket, and I asked Chandler if he tries to emulate Horry in clutch situations. He said that would be possible since he and Horry wore jersey number 25 for the Rockets. He feels very confident about himself, about his shot, and believes he can deliver when needed in certain crucial situations, without feeling any pressure.

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I then asked him to tell me the first word/s that he would think of when I mentioned certain names. Our exchange went: “Dwight Howard. Goofy! Kevin McHale. Sweetheart. Jeremy Lin. (after a long pause) Role Model. James Harden. Superstar.”

When I asked him if Harden would lead the team, Chandler said, “We’re all gonna lead,” emphasizing that it would take the effort of everyone on the team to produce, to fulfill their respective roles and come together to achieve the end goal, which is to win the championship. The Rockets certainly seem like a contender this coming season, and Chandler Parsons is one of several reasons why.

You can follow Charlie on Twitter @CharlieC.