Wesley Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers will join NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors at NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 4 – 6, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sprite announced today. The 6’ 7” guard/forward will make appearances and interact with fans through clinics and community events.
Johnson was drafted fourth overall in the 2010 NBA Draft and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team in 2011.
“I can’t wait to get to Manila next week to meet all the NBA fans in the Philippines, who are among the most passionate in the world,” said Johnson. “I understand the L.A. Lakers are one of the most popular teams in the country and I’m excited to represent the team at this year’s NBA 3X.”
NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite celebrates basketball and the NBA with free fan activities including a slam dunk contest, basketball clinics, 3-point shootouts, skills challenges, autograph sessions, and more. To entertain fans, there will also be performances by live bands and DJs, as well as NBA merchandise giveaways. Local celebrities will also join players from local professional and college leagues at the event. In addition, the Raptors Dance Pak will be at the NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite to entertain fans with performances.
The competitive 3×3 tournament features divisions for boys under-18, under-16, and under-13, and for girls under-18 and under-16. The event will also include open categories for both men and women along with an invitation only Celebrity Division featuring popular local TV and music personalities. Registration for NBA 3X Philippines 2014 is now open on a first-come first-serve basis, and runs until June 27 or until all slots are full. NBA 3X Philippines 2013 saw record levels of demand with more than 170 teams on the waitlist vying to get a spot in the tournament. As a result, the Philippine International Convention Center will once again be utilized as a secondary venue to accommodate the teams.
All participants in NBA 3X Philippines 2014 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 per team.
Along with presenting partner Sprite, official partners of NBA 3X Philippines 2014 include adidas, Smart Communications and PLDT, KFC and Phoenix Petroleum, with Acer and Spalding serving as supporting partners. Official NBA broadcasters are ABS-CBN Sports + Action and Basketball TV.