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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Strong suits of MJ, King James and Big J fit next president - Lacson

Strong suits of MJ, King James and Big J fit next president - Lacson

Published Jan 31, 2022 07:35 pm

Three basketball jewels - MJ, King James and the Big J - start in their generation of cage stardom and the next have become the favorite idols of Partido Reporma Chairman and standard bearer Sen. Panfilo Lacson who wants to bring the “same grit, passion and determination” they possess to the presidency if he wins the May 9 elections.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson interviewed at MB Hot Seat

Interviewed during the “Manila Bulletin Hot Seat” over the weekend, Lacson confessed how he admired basketball greats Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Philippines’ very own Robert Jaworski who carried excellent conduct on and off the basketball court.

Lacson said he has long admired Chicago Bull legend Jordan, and Los Angeles Laker “The King” James after him, as the great US National Basketball Association players are the only ones he follows, not any particular NBA team.

Locally, the longtime public servant has followed “The Living Legend” Robert Jaworski – whom he worked with in the Senate from 2001 to 2004 – owing to his “Never Say Die” mentality as the revered player-coach of fan favorite Ginebra from the 1980s to 1990s.

“Talagang maski noong araw talagang number one idol ko sa NBA si Jordan. Maski ‘nung lumipat siya from Chicago to Wizards, doon ako sa Wizards ngayon nag-roo-root. Ganoon kasi ako. Dalawa lang ‘yung players na talagang sa NBA: Jordan and Lebron James. (Even back in the day, my number one idol in the NBA is (Michael) Jordan. Even when he moved from Chicago to (the Washington) Wizards, I was rooting for the Wizards – that’s how I am. I’ve only idolized two players in the NBA: Jordan and LeBron James.), “ he said.

The discussion on basketball started when Manila Bulletin senior deskman Rocky Nazareno noticed that Lacson was wearing an Air Jordan 1 low cut rubber shoes, which is an all-time favorite among many fans across the world.

But the senator said shirts and shoes endorsed by James are also his favorites.

“Kaya marami na rin akong Lebron James na shirt at saka meron din akong sapatos ni Lebron James. But, you know, I think Jordan—Michael Jordan unequal pa rin up to this point. Wala na nga siya sa NBA kumikita .[That’s why I have a lot of LeBron James shirts, and I also have LeBron James’ shoes. But you know, I think Jordan – Michael Jordan is still unequaled up to this point. He’s not (playing) in the NBA anymore but he’s still earning.),” he said.

” the three-term senator added, as Nazareno noticed his casual attire accented by Air Jordan sneakers.

However, the presidential candidate quickly clarified that he doesn’t buy the Jordan or James merchandise, but wears them as gifts from his sons who are fellow basketball fanatics.

“Ako, pagbili ng anak ko nito para ibigay sa akin, meron siyang (Jordan) royalty rito e, lagi siyang may royalty diyan.[When my son buys these items to give to me, (Jordan) gets a royalty from these, he always gets a royalty from them.)” he told senior editors of Manila Bulletin.

Meanwhile, the former national police chief said he shared Jaworski’s “Never Say Die” mentality on the hardcourt, as he followed the Philippine Basketball Association legend throughout his career.

“Ang sinusundan ko naman noon si Jawo—Jaworski kasi gusto ko ‘yung... Alam mo ‘yung, kung hindi man smooth maglaro, ‘yung medyo—‘yung determined ba, ‘yung determination. Ganoon ang gusto ko talaga. ‘Yung nakita ko ‘yung passion, determination, parang hindi napapagod. ,” said Lacson.

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