The Philippines is now one of my homes - Stephon Marbury
NBA veteran Stephon Marbury has returned to Manila for the fourth time in the past couple of years to continue his support for children afflicted with the liver disease called biliary atresia. On Saturday, the two-time NBA All-Star arrived at Heroes Concept Store in Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City to once again talk with his, by now, familiar friends from local sports media and to announce his plans in the near future with regard to his advocacies in the country.
In a very intimate and informal setting, Marbury sat together with Jersey Haven owner Andrew Tan and player agent Sheryl Reyes in front of sports scribes, and unveiled a newly-designed basketball jersey with the familiar Marbury number 3. The colorful jerseys are available for sale to the public via Jersey Haven, and part of the proceeds will benefit children in need, some of whom were present to see their benefactor. Prior to this, Stephon, who obviously loves interacting with children, played with the beneficiaries of his efforts to combat their illness, as their parents thanked him. Event host Chiqui Reyes then invited event organizer Tina Maralit, Tan, and Reyes to give their messages.
Chiqui then mentioned that a Marbury action figure would soon be launched in China, where Stephon now plays professionally, which figure would then be available here in the Philippines. The media was reminded that the Starbury shoe drive is still very much active. In past visits, he mentioned that it was part of his mission to make basketball shoes accessible and affordable to all. Then, Chiqui introduced Marbury in official game-like fashion. The 1996 NBA draftee greeted everyone, thanked God for the chance to be back in Manila and for the opportunity to help others. He then opened himself up to a question and answer session.
Stephon fielded all sorts of questions. He said that he surely considers the Philippines now as one of his “homes”, since according to him, home is where your heart is and, surely, his heart is very much entrenched in our country already. He expects to continue visiting as the years go by.
He spoke of his experience playing in China and how it was truly an eye-opener for him. His early months playing there were really a challenge as he had to make major adjustments and learn to change his attitude about so many things. He explained that his days in China enabled him to lose many of his “bad habits” developed while living all his life in the US.
He was asked to compare the passion for basketball in China and the Philippines and he said that fans in both places are equally passionate, but tend to express their passion differently. He acknowledged their basketball acumen and ability to analyze the game very well. Clearly, Stephon has a high regard for the basketball knowledge both here and in China.
As expected, someone mentioned Gilas Pilipinas and asked Stephon how he thought our national team could succeed in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. He said that a big part of being successful is in preparing well, both mentally and on the court. He spoke of the “swagger” of the Filipino cagers and praised their talent. He believes that “there’s always a chance” since the scoreboard starts out at zero all. The most important thing though, he said, is for Gilas Pilipinas to give its best every step of the way.
I posed a question for Stephon, asking him what he thinks about so many former NBA point guards like Jason Kidd, Steve Kerr, Derek Fisher, and even Kevin Ollie, now holding head coaching positions and why guards seem to be more inclined to end up coaching after their playing days are over. I also asked if he intends to be a coach when he finally ends his playing days. He addressed my second question first with an emphatic “Yes!” He said that part of his plans is to give back to the community by teaching children, the young ones who want to learn the game. He is more than willing to share his knowledge of basketball to anyone willing to learn. He is certain he will end up as a coach some day.
As for point guards being named head coaches, he mentioned that it is the duty of a point guard to know all the plays. Playbooks can be a hundred pages thick, and all lead guards have to know each play, be able to spot mismatches, lead a team, direct teammates and teach younger players. While on the bench, point guards see the game almost in slow motion and learn the intricacies. These responsibilities and experiences during their playing days make point guards ideal coaching candidates.
Marbury also spoke of how he thought the game of basketball has drastically changed since he was an NBA rookie in 1996, how he had a couple of offers to return to the NBA after he began playing in China, and his openness to perhaps someday play as an import in the PBA. He also mentioned that he is involved in charitable efforts in China, too. When asked if he ever considered becoming a politician because of his obvious tendency to serve or help other people, he quickly dismissed any such possibility, conceding that there are so many ways to help others and, for him, politics is not in his list.
After the Q & A session was over, the organizers set up some chairs for one-on-one interviews with Marbury. While the room was being rearranged, I had the opportunity to ask him if former players from his alma mater, Georgia Tech, get together for pickup games or simple fellowship, which the alums of North Carolina and UCLA are known to do. He shook his head and said that Georgia Tech does not have quite the same tradition and that he should try to get his fellow Yellow Jackets to come together more often, expressing admiration for how the legendary coach Dean Smith instilled great tradition in his UNC Tar Heels.
Stephon gladly granted photo-ops, signed trading cards and other basketball paraphernalia. He is a very gracious and genuine person and seems to have rid himself of any trace of the negativity associated with him in the past. His smile while holding the children, fielding questions from sportswriters, and posing for pictures, was the smile of somebody who seems content, who knows his purpose and objectives, and does not care what others may think of his actions.
Having been, at certain points of his career, one of the best players in the NBA, he is very grateful for what he has achieved and experienced and now clearly appreciates his life much, much more. The Philippines is benefitting from the life and times of Stephon Marbury. The great part is, he may be the one most thankful for the opportunity.
