The All In Basketball Game: Former NBA star Allen Iverson charity game set for November 5
NBA CAFÉ, Taguig City—On the heels of being called the best basketball player ever pound for pound by no less than the reigning National Basketball Association (NBA) MVP Kevin Durant himself, “The Answer” Allen Iverson along with a phalanx of former NBA troopers and AND1 Mix Tape stars will make their way to the Philippines in early November highlighted by “The All In Basketball Game” which hopes to raise funds for homeless people in the country.
The event, put together by PCWorx I.T. Solutions, Inc.—one of the leading suppliers of computers, office equipment and IT services in the archipelago—has partnered with Gawad Kalinga as its chief beneficiary in this once-in-a-lifetime undertaking also made possible by renowned sports agent Sheryl Reyes; known in local basketball circles as “The Basketball Fairy” for making the seemingly impossible happen.
“All In” is slated on November 5th at the posh Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and is set to feature several local basketball personalities from the PBA, UAAP and NCAA.
“The PCWorx All In Basketball Game’s mission is to be the most hyped-about charity event of the year bringing the best PBA, UAAP, NCAA and NBA basketball superstars in the country,” the official press statement read. “This benefit game wants to inspire the people that more than the entertainment it could bring to them; they would also inspire and enrich life of the Gawad Kalinga beneficiaries.”
In the line-ups released by organizers, Iverson—an eleven-time NBA All-Star—is listed as the visiting team’s “coach”. There has been news coming out of the Philadelphia 76ers organization that they have indeed been keen on including the former league Rookie of the Year part of their coaching staff as their young core of future superstars including Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid could learn a lot from the fourteen-year veteran as his grit and tenacity have become trademarks of his roller-coaster NBA career.
“Coach” Iverson will be joined by two former NBA veterans in pivot Eddy Curry and three-time NBA All-Star Steve Francis—who had many memorable head-to-head duels with the Georgetown product throughout their decade long rivalry in the league.
The AND1 stars that will also comprise AI’s squad are The Professor, Air Up There, G Smith, AO, Mr. Afrika and my favorite: The Bone Collector.
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From the local side, former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) MVP Allan Caidic has already confirmed his participation in the worthy endeavor , while another former PBA MVP in Benjie Paras, and decorated big men Jerry Codiñera and Marlou Aquino are also on the list. From the UAAP and NCAA, the players will be named in the days leading up to the game itself as they are still heavily immersed in their ongoing collegiate campaigns.
However, the names that were indicated on the organizers’ list included the likes of De La Salle University (DLSU) stalwarts Jeron Teng and Arnold Van Opstal, University of the East’s Roi Sumang and Charles Mammie and Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena to name a few. From the NCAA, the San Beda trio of Olaide Adeogun, Javee and Andrei Paras top the list.
Iverson and his party arrive in the Philippines on November 3rd and will go through a whirlwind of activities which include mall tours, a basketball clinic in Payatas (along with a select group of collegiate cagers), a site visit to the Gawad Kalinga Bulaklakan project in Baranggay Holy Spirit in Quezon City and a charity dinner wherein a multitude of auctions will take place in support of the funds being raised for the venture.
Tickets are on sale beginning August 2nd at all SM Cinema and SM Store outlets in Metro Manila up to Central Luzon. Tickets range from PhP 6,500.00 for the VIP section of the venue to a mere P 600.00 for the general admission seats.
PC Worx I.T. Solutions, Inc. has also announced a unique promo for would-be ticket purchasers. The first ten (10) ticket buyers (any seat, except for general admission), will get the chance to have a photo opportunity with Iverson and his team right before tip-off. But those tickets must be purchased at participating PC Worx stores: SM North EDSA, E. Rodriguez branch, Gilmore (2nd floor), Gilmore (3rd floor), SM Megamall, Festival Mall, Marquee Mall, SM Clark, Tarlac, Harbour Point, Olongapo SobicWork and Angeles, Pampanga. Their Facebook page has all the details, as well as their Twitter account.
On a personal note, I’ve already been tasked by Sheryl herself to do announcing duties for the game itself, so for those who want to catch a glimpse of AI, Stevie, and rest of the gang, I’ll see you at MOA on November 5. Let’s help spread cheer for the upcoming holiday season as well by being their and doing our part for charity.
See you then, guys!
Follow Noel Zarate on Twitter (@NoelZarate) and email sportztackle@yahoo.com
