Content creator Kiatipis surprised by Filipinos’ passion for basketball

Canadian basketball content creator Matt “MK” Kiatipis was surprised by the overwhelming reception from Filipino fans during his visit to the Philippines, getting a firsthand look at the country’s deep-rooted passion for basketball.

Kiatipis brought his one-on-one basketball skills to Mandaluyong City on Wednesday, October 28, as hundreds of fans gathered at Gameville Ball Park to watch him face local basketball personalities, including reigning MPBL Slam Dunk champion Joe Gomez de Liaño and basketball impersonators Stepping Curry and Lebwrong James.

The event, hosted by SportsPlus in partnership with Serious Player Only, featured competitive one-on-one matchups and gave Filipino fans an opportunity to see the popular content creator in action.

Kiatipis, who has more than nine million social media followers, said the enthusiasm he encountered across Asia, particularly in the Philippines, exceeded his expectations.

“I was not expecting this many people to show up, this many people to be excited, this culture to be so deep; it is an amazing surprise. So much passion and so much skill,” Kiatipis said.

“The Philippines, they love basketball, and I love basketball, but I got to love it as much as them,” he added.

Gomez de Liaño also welcomed the opportunity to bring basketball personalities and supporters together, emphasizing the importance of events that strengthen the local basketball community.

“It was very nice putting the community together; it is good for the crowd they loved watching it,” Gomez de Liaño said.

Kiatipis’ Philippine stop was part of his growing connection with basketball communities across Asia, where the sport’s popularity continues to bring content creators, local players and fans together. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)

The post Content creator Kiatipis surprised by Filipinos’ passion for basketball first appeared on Fastbreak.

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Portland Trail Blazers point guard Ja Morant sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during Thursday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and will miss at least four weeks.

The Trail Blazers said Friday that Morant will be re-evaluated after four weeks. The damage was detected through an MRI exam.

Morant exited the contest against his ex-teammates with 7:46 remaining in the game and the Trail Blazers ruled him out a short time later. Memphis won the game 124-103.

Shortly before he departed, Morant grabbed at his left hamstring during a stoppage in play.

Morant produced 14 points and three assists in 23 minutes before the early end to his night. He is averaging 15.8 points and 5.5 assists in four games with Portland (3-1).

Morant, 27, spent seven seasons with Memphis before being dealt to Portland on June 29. The Grizzlies received forwards Jerami Grant and Kris Murray in the deal for the two-time All-Star.

Morant was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft by Memphis and quickly elevated to stardom. He was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and later averaged a career-high 27.4 points in 2021-22, being named Most Improved Player that season.

But injuries and two suspensions for gun-related incidents began to dim his star. Morant was suspended by the NBA for eight games for one incident in March of 2023 and docked 25 games three months later for another incident. (Reuters)

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