Asians should try to play in US: Hardaway

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has tried to amplify its reach across Asia in recent years, but former players Tim Hardaway and Stephon Marbury believe more can be done.

- Lin Tianbao

In 2022, the league opened an office in Singapore, adding to the ones in Manila, Mumbai, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.

Since 2007, the NBA has also organised Jr NBA, a global youth basketball programme for boys and girls across the region.

And the duo hope the league can continue viewing Asia as part of its expansion plans.

They are in Singapore as part of the ongoing Sept 12-15 Fiba Intercontinental Cup (ICC) and are also conducting clinics for youth and academies.

Hardaway, known as the "Crossover King" from his playing time at clubs such as the Golden State Warriors, told The Straits Times on Sept 13: "Asian fans love the NBA. A lot of Asians love basketball, they eat, sleep and drink basketball over here, and that's great.

"That's why we like coming over here, talking to and interacting with you all, signing autographs, playing a little basketball, because we appreciate you all.