NBA stars James Harden and Eric Gordon to visit Manila in July

Yahoo PH Sports

14 June 2013 at 6:59 am

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 9: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets posts-up against Eric Gordon #10 of the New Orleans Hornets on January 9, 2013 at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

NBA 3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite returns to Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 26 to 28, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sprite announced today. Now in its third year, the event combines exciting on-court competition with free authentic NBA entertainment and experiences for fans of all ages.

NBA 3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite celebrates basketball and NBA culture with free fan activities including a slam dunk contest, basketball clinics, 3-point shootouts, skills challenges, autograph sessions, and more. To keep fans entertained, there will be performances by the Indiana Pacers’ dance team the Pacemates, Memphis Grizzlies’ mascot Grizz, live bands and DJs, as well as NBA merchandise giveaways.

2013 NBA All-Star James Harden of the Houston Rockets and 2009 All-Rookie Second Team selection Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Pelicans will headline this year’s event and be on hand to help run clinics and interact with fans.

Harden steered the Rockets to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2008-09 NBA Season, leading the team in scoring (26.33 PPG), assists (4.50 APG) and steals (2.00 SPG) during their postseason run. This marks the first of two trips Harden will make to Manila this year, which will also include the first-ever NBA Global Games Philippines 2013 in October. Gordon averaged 16.98 PPG, 3.26 APG and 1.83 RPG over the course of the 2012-13 NBA Season for the New Orleans Pelicans (formerly New Orleans Hornets).

“I’m excited to return to the Philippines to be a part of NBA 3X,” said James Harden. “Filipinos have an unmatched passion for basketball and I look forward to meeting the fans and catching some of the best basketball talent the country has to offer”.

The competitive 3-on-3 tournament features groups for boys under-18, under-16, and under-13, and for girls under-18 and under-16. There will also be an open category for both men and women. Registration for NBA 3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite begins June 20, on a first-come first-serve basis, and runs till July 12 or until all slots are full. NBA 3X Philippines 2012 saw record levels of demand with over 250 teams on the waitlist vying to get a spot into the tournament. As a result, the Philippine International Convention Center has been added as a second venue to accommodate more teams.

“The ongoing support from our Filipino fans is amazing and helps bring our game to life through NBA 3X presented by Sprite,” said Carlo Singson, Philippines Country Manager, NBA Asia. “Our passionate fans follow the NBA all season long on TV, NBA.com and through social media, and we are excited to bring NBA 3X Philippines back as a prelude to our first-ever NBA Global Games Philippines 2013 this October.”

“We are excited to continue on this journey with the NBA and establish the NBA 3X Philippines presented by Sprite as a marquee event in the Philippines, said Jing Atienza, Sprite Group Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Philippines. “Sprite and the NBA are long time partners and this is a great event for the whole family to come out and enjoy.”

Along with presenting partner Sprite, official partners of NBA 3X Philippines 2013 include adidas, KFC and Phoenix Petroleum. Official NBA broadcasters are SOLARtv Network Incorporated (Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV) and Studio 23. X-Play Online Games Inc. (X-Play) and PhilStar.com will act as official media partners, while Spalding, SM Mall of Asia and SM Cinemas will act as supporting partners.

All participants of the NBA 3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite will receive a jersey and NBA sling bag. There will also be prizes for the winner of each division. Registration fees for the age divisions run at Php1,000 per team, and for open divisions at Php1,600 pesos per team.

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Including the Philippines, NBA 3X will be conducted in 14 countries outside of the US this summer.

For more information on NBA 3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite and to register for the 3-on-3 tournament, log on to www.nba3x.com/philippines. Fans can also get updates on the event by following the NBA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nba_philippines and through Facebook at www.facebook.com/nba3xasia and www.facebook.com/philsnba.

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