Kuzma wraps up second Manila visit

MILWAUKEE Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma became the latest NBA standout to visit the Philippines this offseason following this “KuzManila II” Asian Tour.

The 30-year-old Kuzma on Thursday wrapped up his three-day tour by attending the unveiling of his mural at the Barangay 901 basketball court, North Compound Tenement in Sta. Ana, Manila.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno welcomed the former NBA champion, who also held basketball clinics and scrimmages with Manila kids and aspiring ballers.

Mr. Kuzma made other stops in Singapore and China ahead of his first full season with the Bucks.

Mr. Kuzma, an NBA champ with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, was traded midseason to the Bucks from by Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton.

He played 33 games with averages of 14.5 points on 33% shooting from downtown, 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists, but Milwaukee bowed to eventual NBA finalist Indiana Pacers in the first round.

It’s the second Manila visit for Mr. Kuzma after his KuzManila Asian Tour last year.

Earlier this month, Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant also visited Manila for the first time as part of his Asia tour, which included Japan and China. — John Bryan Ulanday