“It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and I’ve seen crazy fans all over the world. “If you’re having a bad day or you’re having a bad career, go to Manila. They’ll bring your spirits up,” NBA star Gilbert Arenas wrote on his NBA.com blog after his Manila trip in 2008.

Dwight Howard who was in Manila for NBA Madness in 2005 said he’d like to come back here.

Kobe Bryant, the country’s most recent NBA visitor was touched beyond measure when he saw the ultimate Philippine icon – the jeepney -- adorned with his likeness.

Filipino basketball mania is well known in the NBA. Grant Hill, Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Tim Thomas, Paul Pierce, Dwight Howard, Luke Walton, Channing Frye, Andre Iguodala, Jerry Stackhouse, Gilbert Arenas and Malik Rose have all been here.

Now it’s the turn of Lakers legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Tim Hardaway, Vlade Divac, Robert Horry and Dominique Wilkins to meet Filipino fans up close. It will be Jabbar’s fourth visit to the country, and he will be bringing with him four other legends, one NBA dance team and an NBA mascot to make Filipino basketball fans experience NBA basketball in large doses.

“Basketball is burgeoning,” said Jabbar-- the NBA player who made the All-Star Team nineteen times in 20 years and only missed one because he broke his hand -- about the NBA Asian invasion that starts in Korea September 5 and ends in Manila September 11. Called the NBA Asia Challenge, it is the most ambitious and largest NBA event ever in the Philippines, and will feature the NBA Generations team, comprised of NBA Legends and top NBA Development League (D-League) players, in an exhibition game against the PBA All-Stars in Manila on September 11, 2009.

The Dunking Divas and Sly the Silver Fox of the New Jersey Nets will provide Filipino fans with authentic NBA style in-game entertainment.

Jabbar will coach the NBA Generations along with Dakota Wizards head coach Rory White. The PBA All-Stars meanwhile will be topbilled by 4-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, “The Triggerman”, Allan Caidic, the Tower of Power Benjie Paras, sweet-shooting Point Laureate, Ronnie Magsanoc and Kenneth Duremdes, along with the PBA’s current hotshots Wynne Arboleda, Japeth Aguilar, Arwind Santos, Dondon Hontiveros, JayR Reyes, Mark Pingris, Enrico Villanueva, Joseph Yeo, Willie Miller, Sonny Thoss and Asi Taulava. The PBA All Stars will be coached by Yeng Guiao.

Jabbar, who says winning the World Championship in 1985 against the Celtics was his favorite moment in his career, “but having my 5 kids was the most memorable moments of my life”, said he and the NBA party are all excited about Manila and want to feel the Filipinos’ basketball mania up close, in person.

While here the NBA players and the PBA All-Stars will be visiting SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, and the Podium on September 9 at 1pm to meet the fans and sign some autographs. Then, they will head to the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall at around 2pm for an afternoon of activities with the fans. Fans can also check out the Dunking Divas and Sly the Silver Fox perform at the MOA.

The big game happens on Friday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketnet outlets at SM Malls, or online at www.ticketnet.com.ph. Ticket prices are at P2,640 (Patron), P2112 (Lower Box), P1320 (Upper Box A), P792 (Upper Box B and P264 (General Admission). The historic game will start at 7: 30 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The event is supported by official partner DHL; official suppliers Gatorade, Philippine Department of Tourism and adidas; media partners C/S 9, Basketball TV, Magic 89.9, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, 99.5 RT, 103.5 Max FM, Business Mirror. Official hotel is Dusit Thani Hotel and Spalding is the official game ball. For more information about the NBA Asia Challenge, please log onto www.nba.com/asiachallenge2009.