MANILA, Philippines (AP) β LeBron James hopes his story can inspire young Filipinos to rise from adversity through basketball.
The Cleveland Cavaliers star is the country to mentor finalists of “Rise,” a Nike-sponsored reality TV program aimed at finding young Filipino basketball players, mostly from the countryside, and to hone their talents.
Coming from humble beginnings and raised by a single mother, James said he can relate to what the “Rise kids” are going through.
He says, “I think my story speaks for itself. You know, I was a kid who didn’t believe that I can’t make my dream become a reality, and I know it will take a lot of hard work, a lot of sacrifice and a lot of love.”
James said he wants to teach the kids skills and to “tell the stories that I can give them, tell them about the game.”
