NBA Stars in Asia
Some of the leading stars of the basketball world especially the most sought after American, National Basketball Association stalwarts have descended in Asia to play some exhibition games in a bid to raise local interest and make some money for various charities in the region.
One of the most popular players in the circuit Kobe Bryant got the chance to decipher how popular he is in the region; especially in China a she made a special appearance in the capital of Beijing.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard, who has been a part of five winning teams in the NBA championship, was the centre of attraction in an on-stage chat show at Century Theatre.
There was a great deal of local interest at the venue as nearly 1600 basketball fans cramped in while even a larger number waited outside, to get a chance of seeing a glimpse of the superstar.
Bryant would be visiting four cities in the country, in his visit that is being considered an important one for the growth of the sport.
The chat show meanwhile lasted one hour, where the star shared some of his most memorable experiences admitting that the most difficult and unforgettable championship of the five he has won, was the recent battle with the Boston Celtics.
"This year's finals were all about, revenge," Kobe told the gathered crowd, since we were facing a team that beat you two years ago and it was like we have to prove to ourselves and everybody else that we deserved to be the champions”.
He added that the occasion was one to behold for the rest of his life "That's why I said it was the most special”, concluded Bryant.
The star attributed his success to persistent hard work, unflinching determination and believe in his abilities.
"The only thing that is important and the only thing that matters is that you believe in yourself," Bryant told the audience.
On the other hand there was sheer excitement as two other leading stars of the game arrived in Taiwan on Monday.
The duo of Houston Rockets' Yao Ming and Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard thrilled a large number of fans that had gathered at the island, in what was a special appearance.
Yao Ming who is rated as one of the biggest names in the sport, especially in these parts of the world greeted fans as he arrived at the Taoyuan International Airport.
From there the Houston star headed to the southern part of the island to visit some children, who have been living in the flood-torn areas since, last the deadly Morakot typhoon struck with great force last year.
The Chinese star has been in the country often with this visit being his fourth yet it was his first to represent his own charitable foundation that supports under privileged children in China.
Yao Ming is set to be joined by a number of other leading names from the NBA in a charitable game set to take place of Wednesday.
The players that are expected to travel for the fixture include the likes of Houston's Aaron Brooks and the Milwaukee Bucks' Brandon Jennings.
A part of the revenue that is generated from the event will be utilized to support more than 80 children to visit the Shanghai World Expo.
Orlando Magic’s Howard also arrived in Taipei the same day, and trained young basketball players at a promotional event.
There were some sixty odd players that had lined up at the event, and they keenly heard the star as he passed on some tips regarding his famous slam-dunk in the process.
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