MANILA (Updated) — LeBron James hopes his story can inspire young Filipinos to rise from adversity through basketball.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star is in the country to mentor finalists of "Rise," a Nike-sponsored reality TV program aimed at finding young Filipino basketball players, mostly from the countryside, and to hone their talents.
Coming from humble beginnings and raised by a single mother, James said Thursday he can relate to what the "Rise kids" are going through.
"I think my story speaks for itself, you know I was a kid who didn't believe that I can't make my dream become a reality, and I know it will take a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice and a lot of love," he said at a press conference in Mandaluyong City.
"I just love the game so much that I won't let nobody tell me that I couldn't accomplish something, so I know exactly what a lot of these kids are going through."
(Video by Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)
The four-time NBA MVP, who last week announced a college scholarship program for kids in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, said it "feels great to be able to be someone that people look to, to be able to accomplish more."
It is James' second visit to the basketball-crazy Philippines, where nearly every village has a basketball court. The last time he visited two years ago he was still with the Miami Heat.
He also praised the Filipinos’ love for the sport.
“It was an exciting time two years ago and I’m looking forward to this opportunity,” he said.
James said he wants to teach the kids skills and to "tell the stories that I can give them, tell them about the game."
"Then it's up to them to use that, the words that I give them, use them to better themselves," he said.
After the press conference, James headed to the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and teamed up with the “Rise” kids for an exhibition match against professional cagers and prized talent Kobe Paras.
Thousands showed up to see James put on a clinic. Tickets for the event were free and were reportedly snapped up in just a few minutes.
James is due to leave Manila on Friday night. (AP/Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)