Paul George, Terrence Ross also coming to Manila for Last Home Stand

MANILA, Philippines – Add two more names to the already star-studded list of NBA players coming to Manila from July 22-23 for the PLDT Last Homestand festivities.

Indiana Pacers All-Star Paul George and Toronto Raptors third-year man Terrence Ross will join a roster consisting of Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers),  Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Paul Pierce (Washington Wizards), DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors), Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs), Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors), and Nick Johnson (Houston Rockets), and  in an exhibition matchup against Gilas Pilipinas at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The news of George’s inclusion was announced by PLDT head Manny V. Pangilinan, who celebrates his birthday on Monday, July 14:

What a nice bday surprise – We welcome All-Star Paul George back to Manila for #GilasLastHOMEStand – mapapaLABAN sina Gabe, Ping, Jeff dito

— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) July 14, 2014

Not long after, George sent a response MVP’s way, talking about how he and his NBA comrades are going to give members of the Philippine national basketball team “a real workout.”

@iamMVP, we are going to give the Gilas National Team a real workout in honor of your birthday next week! Watch out!

— Paul George (@Paul_George24) July 14, 2014

MVP has yet to confirm Ross’ part on Twitter, but the NBA player himself stated on his social media account that he will be in Manila for the festivities.

MVP I think what you do in honor of your birthday for the Filipinos is amazing. Giving back is why we do what we do. See you soon! @iamMVP

— Terrence Ross (@T_DotFlight31) July 14, 2014

Ross had a noteworthy season from 2013-2014, averaging 10.9 PPG in 26.7 MPG for the No. 3 seed Raptors, whose two main stars, Lowry and DeRozan, will be joining their teammate in Manila. He won the 2013 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest.

George had his best pro career yet last season. With averages of 21.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 3.5 APG, the Frenso State product made his second consecutive All-Star team and led the Pacers to the top seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

This is George’s second trip to the Philippines following the NBA Global Games match between the Indiana Pacers and the Houston Rockets back in October 2013.

The team of NBA players will be coached by John Lucas.

Funds of the exhibition game will be given to the PDRF (Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation). Furthermore, the two-day treat for hoops fans will also include a three-point shootout contest, a slam dunk exhibition, a skills camp conducted by Lucas, and an Air Elite Dunkers event. – Rappler.com