Jabbar, ex-NBA stars to play PBA selection

Former Los Angeles Lakers star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be coming to Manila next month to coach the NBA Legends in an exhibition match against the PBA Legends.

The dream exhibition match dubbed as the first NBA Asia Challenge is set on September 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Among NBA greats who will be coming are seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry, Vlade Divac, Tim Hardaway, and Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins.

Other members of the team are from the D-League Futures.

Among those making up the PBA All-Stars are four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, Ronnie Magsanoc and Benjie Paras.

"This is the biggest and most ambitious event in the Philippines," said Edward Winkle, the senior director for business development and marketing partnership for NBA Asia, in a press conference at Dusit Hotel in Makati.

"This is the first time an NBA-sanctioned event will be played in the Philippines," added Solar Entertainment chief operating officer Peter Chanliong.

"The PBA players are excited to play against the NBA legends. The current lineup starts with the mythical selection and this project is approved by the PBA board," PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios said.