‘NBA veterans’ witness history anew

Levi Verora

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These "NBA veterans" have always been present in NBA events in Manila.

VETERANS. Sadhwani and his brother show off LeBron's jersey. Photo by Rappler/Myke Miravite.

MANILA, Philippines — These “NBA veterans” did it again.

For sports aficionados, Pranav Sadhwani and Kris Bautista, July 22 was another red-letter date for them after they saw 4-time NBA MVP LeBron James at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on Monday night.

The 15-year-old Sadhwani didn’t mind the tiring day at all as he looked forward to seeing James — who is visiting Manila for the very first time —in person.

“I am really surprised,” said Sadhwani moments after seeing the two-time NBA champion. “(This day) is tiring but it is just a great feeling.”

Always in attendance

Sadhwani, a student at the Singapore School Manila, has never missed any NBA spectacle on Philippine soil. 

He was present during the NBA Asia Challenge that featured legends Dominique Wilkins and Clyde Drexler, even having a ball signed by them. He also watched the 2011 Smart Ultimate All-Star Basketball Challenge, where Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Chris Paul took center stage. 

And with the best NBA player landing in the country, Sadhwani never let the chance to see him pass.

His companion, Kris Bautista, traveled all the way from Bulacan and simply wanted the opportunity to be one of the few to experience the LeBron phenomenon. 

“I lined up for 6 hours last week to get a ticket,” the real estate agent told Rappler, obviously very eager to see his idol at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday, July 23.

Basketball for life

Sadhwani started embracing the sport since he was 5 years old. Growing up, he collected sports souvenirs left and right — magazines, photos, coffee table books, jerseys and a lot more, having them signed by celebrated stars in the sports world.

Taking his love for hoops to the next level, the Fil-Indian is also a varsity basketball player. Fresh off practice in school, he trooped to the hotel to meet the 9-time NBA All-Star. 

“Honestly, I’m a fan of Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat,” he said. “But since LeBron joined Miami, I started to like him, too. I never really hated him in the first place.”

For the thousands who tried, Sadhwani and Bautista are lucky enough to be among those blessed with the rare opportunity to see the fabled NBA star. And like in many instances before, they will go home delighted.

After all, they are already “NBA veterans,” always around when stars of the world’s best basketball league come to Philippine shores. – Rappler.com

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