DeMar DeRozan, Wesley Johnson bring star power to the 2014 edition of NBA 3X

 
NBA All-Star DeMar Derozan and Los Angeles Lakers forward Wes Johnson are in Manila to promote the upcoming NBA 3x 3-on-3 competition that will be held over the weekend at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

"The NBA 3X is a key pillar event for us during this time," said NBA Country Manager Carlo Singson. "It features exciting 3-on-3 action. We see some of these players and you wonder, hey, why aren't these players playing in the college or pro levels coz the skill level is high. Nevertheless, we have people from all ages and all skill levels competing.”

Over 200 teams signed up for a total of eight divisions. Men's and women's categories feature Under 13, Under 16, Under 18 and an Open Division for players 18 years old and above.

"They are coming from all over the Philippines," added Singson. “Two years ago, we had winners all the way from Zamboanga and last year, we also had winners from outside Manila. It really is an event for everybody."

Aside from the competition, fans are also expected to enjoy the Sprite Slam Dunk Showdown and the basketball clinic, along with the skills challenge, the three-point shootout, as well as an autograph session with the NBA stars, the Raptors Dance Pak and Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson the Lion.

The weekend-long event will also feature celebrity 3-on-3 players on Sunday.

"We have local celebrities from television," Singson said. "Derek Ramsey and Rovilson Fernandez, we have PBA legends like Vince "The Prince" Hizon, [and] folks from the music industry like Jay-R."

On hand to lead the event were DeRozan and Johnson, who are expected to share their know-how with players and fans.

DeRozan, a former University of Southern California Trojan, was the Raptors' ninth overall pick in 2009. He was selected as a reserve guard for the Eastern Conference All-Stars in this year's NBA All-Star game, before towing his team to its first playoffs appearance since the 2007-2008 season. Johnson, on the other hand, was selected fourth by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2010. The former Iowa State and Syracuse player then signed with the Lakers in 2013. - AMD, GMA News