National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar Kyle Kuzma, currently playing for the Washington Wizards, recently visited Manila, Philippines, for a highly anticipated three-day trip. Kuzma's arrival on Sunday, August 25, followed weeks of speculation and excitement among Filipino basketball fans. His visit comes after his participation in the Yao Foundation Charity Game in Hong Kong, an event founded by Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming. In this game, Kuzma played alongside NBA stars like Paul George, Jimmy Butler, and James Harden.
Kuzma, known for his brilliant outside shooting during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won the 2020 NBA championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, has always been a significant presence on the court. His skill set has made him a valuable asset to any team he's played for, particularly in long-range shooting. This made his thoughts on the newly introduced four-point shot by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) particularly relevant and noteworthy.
During a media appearance at an event in Makati on Monday, August 26, Kuzma was asked about his opinion on the PBA's implementation of the four-point shot in the ongoing Season 49 Governor’s Cup. The PBA board introduced this new rule to enhance the excitement and pace of the games, aiming to prevent teams from becoming overly defensive and to keep the games thrilling for the fans. Alfrancis Chua, the new vice-chairman of the PBA board, expressed confidence that the four-point shot would add a dynamic element to the game, encouraging players to take more risks and pushing the boundaries of traditional basketball strategies.
Kuzma, with his extensive experience in the NBA, expressed strong support for the four-point shot, viewing it as a positive development for basketball.
“Yeah, 100 percent, I think it’s good for the game. It allows more space. At the end of the day, a lot of us shoot deep threes anyways. It’s kind of a bad shot in the NBA if you take a deep shot from that far because the three-point line is just right there, but a lot of us can shoot from that far. I think it will be more dramatic in the NBA, and fans will probably like it too. Stephen Curry would probably get more points,” Kuzma said.
Kyle Kuzma on the PBA’s 4-point shot: “I think it’s good for the game.”@ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/UWzDJr5UCP
— Rom Anzures (@romwelanzures) August 26, 2024
Kuzma’s endorsement of the four-point shot reflects a growing trend in basketball, where long-range shooting is becoming more prevalent and influential in the game’s outcome. The introduction of the four-point line in the PBA could pave the way for similar changes in other leagues, including the NBA, where players like Stephen Curry have already redefined the possibilities of deep shooting.
Kuzma's visit to the Philippines was not just about basketball; it was also a personal journey to a country that has a deep passion for the sport. The 29-year-old NBA star expressed his excitement about finally visiting Manila, a trip he had been looking forward to for some time.
“I went straight to the Mall of Asia yesterday. That was a blast, super, super fun, and this is my first time here. Like I said, this is my first time here. Unbelievable reception and love coming here, and I have always wanted to come here. I have always wanted to go here. It’s funny, I had a haircut this morning - and I have a bunch of Filipino friends like Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green - but two of my barbers are actually Filipinos, in the States. This is incredible. Just the love here is amazing. I truly, truly appreciate it, and I am excited to see a lot more to come,” Kuzma shared.
Kuzma’s connection with the Filipino community extends beyond his current visit. His friendships with Filipino-American NBA players like Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green have kept him connected to the Filipino culture, even when he’s not in the country. His admiration for the warm reception he received in the Philippines highlights the unique bond between Filipino fans and basketball players, both local and international.
On the court, Kuzma has been a fan favorite, not just for his performance but also for his eclectic fashion choices, which have made him a style icon in the NBA. However, despite Kuzma’s popularity, the Washington Wizards have faced challenges in recent seasons. The team has struggled to find consistency, but the recent signing of France’s big man Alex Sarr as the number two overall pick has sparked excitement among Wizards fans. Kuzma, who signed a four-year, $102 million deal with the Wizards on June 30, 2023, is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s efforts to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming 2024/25 NBA season.
Kuzma’s visit to Manila and his positive remarks about the PBA’s four-point shot highlight the global nature of basketball and the shared passion for the sport that transcends borders. As basketball continues to evolve, with new rules and innovations, the enthusiasm of fans and players alike ensures that the game will remain as thrilling and dynamic as ever.
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