Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant raves about ‘welcoming, loving’ Filipino fans in Manila stop

Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant enjoyed a dose of traditional Filipino hospitality as he was welcomed by adoring fans in the streets of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig on Friday as he made his appearance as part of his Manila stop in his “Make Them Watch” tour with a popular sports brand.

 

Morant, who also made stops in China and Hong Kong, wrapped up his tour with Nike with an exhibition game at The Courtyard in BGC where teams of ballers from La Salle Zobel and hoops communities got the chance to strut their stuff in front of Morant.

 

The game, which featured the likes of Gilas Pilipinas women’s Jack Animam, Anyang’s Rhenz Abando, pro players Jeron Teng, Ricci Rivero, and CJ Cansino, and La Salle alumna Marga Jimenez, drew the admiration for Morant as he was also welcomed by scores of fans in the stands.

Meralco Bolts’ CJ Cansino shares what he hopes to emulate from Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant’s NBA journey and how Morant has become an inspiration to aspiring basketball players. | via Luisa Morales/One Sports#OSOnTheSpot #PBASeason49 #PBAAngatAngLaban #NBA pic.twitter.com/oFqww5lyR0

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 1, 2025

 

Some scenes from Ja Morant’s Manila stop of the Make Them Watch tour:

A fan celebrated his birthday with Ja and the Memphis Grizzlies guard called him out to center court to give him a birthday gift of a lifetime with signed shoes @OneSportsPHL pic.twitter.com/0BY79lhfdE

— Luisa Morales (@mluisamorales_) August 2, 2025

 

“It's been good. Everybody [has] been very welcoming and loving to me and my fam. Super excited to be here." he said of his stop in Manila.

 

Morant also seemed to enjoy himself all throughout the program as he also went out of his way to interact with the fans — one of which also had a tattoo of the superstar’s face.

 

The two-time NBA All-Star also enjoyed the entertainment, which featured loads of dancing which the 25-year-old was happy to join in on.

 

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But most importantly, Morant was excited by the prospect of Philippine hoops as he also met some community ballers.

 

"They've been good. They were excited to see me. And I cant wait to see them out here on the court." he said before the game started.

 

Though Morant’s stop was short and sweet, he made sure to bring the fireworks when he dazzled with dunks and highlights in front of the adoring Manila crowd.

 

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Even if it was fleeting, fans and Morant alike will surely bring the memory of Friday afternoon along with them.