Basketball missionaries Kevin Garnett and Chauncey Billups are rallying the faithful for a block party in Taipei today.
They have been chosen by the NBA to spread the message at an all-day event that will mix basketball, music, food and drink at the Hua Zhong Bridge (華中橋) underpass, today from 9am.
If you and a friend believe you've got what it takes to beat anyone in a 2-on-2, then this is your chance to come on down and possibly win an all-expenses-paid trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
PHOTO: JULES QUARTLY, TAIPEI TIMES
Organizers are promising a party atmosphere and have laid on eight basketball courts for games of pickup and the 2-on-2 challenge contest -- the winners of which will get the opportunity to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves' Garnett and Detroit Pistons' Billups.
Every year around this time the NBA sends its emissaries to Taiwan to promote the game as part of its "Asia Outreach" program and this year's duo follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Karl Malone, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant.
The idea is to spread the word -- or more precisely three letters, NBA -- and attract more youngsters to the game of basketball, the second most popular sport on the planet after soccer.
Asia is a key market and Taiwan is a convenient stepping stone to the billion-plus potential converts in China, where the task has just been made easier with the introduction of Houston Rockets first-round draft pick, the 2.26m Yao Ming and the Dallas Mavericks' Wang Zhizi.
At a "meet the press" event in Taipei yesterday Garnett said, "There was a need for someone to come, we were asked and said, `Why not?' And here we are."
"We're here to promote basketball, it's one of the best games you can play. It's without doubt one of the most international games and it's our role to introduce it to the kids," Garnett said. "Asia's market is as big as any other market and that's why we are here."
Asked by the Taipei Times whether they considered themselves missionaries for the game, Billups said, "We know that the Taiwanese are into the NBA game of basketball and its best to start young. ... It's only a matter of time before someone from Taiwan is in the NBA."
The former Minnesota teammates were clearly at ease with each other and were happy to field questions.
This morning they were scheduled to go on a sightseeing tour of the city and take a look at Hsintien Temple and Hsimenting, before arriving at the NBA block party at 5:30pm.
"In the United States, block parties are part of the urban culture where neighbors meet, socialize and play pick-up games in their neighborhood parks," said the managing director of NBA Taiwan, Justin Kuan.
"The NBA block party ... provides a unique occasion for our NBA stars and fans in Taiwan to come together, play basketball and celebrate the importance of friendships."
The 1.91m Garnett joined the NBA straight from school and became an All-Star in only his second year for the Timberwolves. Last year he led in scoring (21.2), rebounding (12.1), blocks (1.75) and minutes played per game (39.2).
Billups only recently signed with the Pistons and played all 82 games with Minnesota last year. In the three playoff games with the Timberwolves he averaged 22 points, five rebounds, 5.7 assists and one steal in 44.7 minutes.
The NBA season tips off Oct. 29, when the three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers take on the San Antonio Spurs. It will be the NBA's 57th season.
The first pick of the 2002 NBA draft, Yao Ming, will make his first televised appearance with the Rockets against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 15.
NBA block party, Hua Zhong Bridge, today.
NBA 2-on-2 challenge, 9am to 1pm, open to everyone.
NBA 2-on-2 challenge and "KG" challenge, 3pm to 8pm, tickets required (the first 50 teams that win three games in the 2-on-2 challenge in the morning will be given free entrance).
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