NBA star Noah loves PH basketball culture

(UPDATE) FORMER NBA two-time All-Star Joakim Noah felt the roaring energy in Manila and indeed believed that the Philippines is "basketball-crazy" after the warm welcome of the Filipinos.

On his three-day trip in the country, the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year was surprised at how the Filipinos showed love with his presence right the moment he got off the plane.

"I think it's beautiful. You know, right when I got off the plane I could not believe how many people knew that [I was a player]. I have not played in a basketball game in such a long time, and people were like 'Oh! Chicago Bulls!" Noah told the press during the media scrum at the NBA Jr. clinic on Sunday at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

NBA star Noah loves PH basketball culture

The 6-foot-nine hardworking center already anticipated that the Filipinos had a great love for basketball, but it was surreal for him to witness it.

"I had heard that it was a basketball culture. I did not know to what extent. It's beautiful to see a culture that really loves basketball," he said.

It has been a decade since Noah played for Chicago Bulls since when he was drafted in 2007.

Playing for nine years in the same franchise, Noah then shifted to NBA teams and played for New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, and LA Clippers.

After his stint with the Clippers in 2020 he was waived by the team, and he retired right after.

Now on a mission to promote his sport to the young generation all over the world, the 39-year-old also shared what it is like to be an ambassador of the game.

"I think it's interesting, you know? Being able to travel the world now as an ambassador of the game you know. I am going to all these different places around the world and I lived in France for a while."

Emphasizing the grassroots program, and honing young basketball players, Noah graced the NBA Jrs. clinic and actively interacted with the combined 50 male and female hoopers.

He shared invaluable lessons with the Filipino kids and stressed that basketball is not limited to scoring.