WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu gets a taste of Pinoy basketball love in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – WNBA champion Sabrina Ionescu touched down in Manila and immediately saw the impact she has made on a tropical country that is simply crazy about basketball.Walking by the 5th Avenue 3D Billboard at BGC, she is surprised at the huge announcement of her Asian Tour which begins in Manila and will take her to Guangzhou, China and then Hong Kong.During her first day, she is touched by the warmth and enthusiasm of Filipino fans who greeted her on her first day in the city. They welcomed her to the House of Sabrina at Nike Fort on Monday, March 10, where she had an encounter with talents and coaches of the women's basketball community, Nike Members and friends of the brand.In a panel talk with Gilas Youth Head Coach LA Tenorio, Women's National Team mainstay and collegiate champion Camille Clarin and collegiate women's basketball head coach Cholo Villanueva, Sabrina shared her outlook on the game that also translates into a winning formula for life:"I think it's crucial to learn how to prioritize and understand what's really important to you and how to be the best basketball player you can be, how to never let the ball stop bouncing, but also understand that there's so much more to you than just being a basketball player, that you must continue to grow.I think it's also about being open-minded ..and doing what you enjoy..just being true to yourself." Sabrina went next to the Nike Courtyard at BGC, a 2,182-square meter communal basketball court at 25th Street and 7th Avenue that gives ballers regardless of gender or skills a place to play year-round in a safe, inclusive space. Getting her first taste of action with the girls of Her Hoops, the WNBA and Olympic champion led a skills camp that showcased her trademark all-around, dynamic playing style. Sabrina prepares for Day 2 of her tour with the launch of a local Nike Sabrina 2 collaboration. Then she'll get ready to electrify Philippine basketball fandom with a Show Her Love basketball showcase in the afternoon. The well-loved icon of breaking barriers and defying stereotypes will play alongside local collegiate and pro basketball stars in a thrilling basketball game.Kacey de la Rosa, Rhenz Abando, Ricci Rivero, Kieffer Alas, Camille Nolasco, Louna Ozar, Afril Bernardino, Kaye Pesquera, Dave Ildefonso, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar and Harold Alarcon are among the exciting local talents who will play alongside Sabrina in her much-awaited basketball game. A three-point contest featuring Sabrina and the most three-point worthy local players will be another high point of the Araneta event. TMT