Daily Fantasy, the Philippines’ first officially licensed fantasy sports provider, gave Filipino basketball fans a treat by hosting NBA champion and Hall of Famer Gary Payton in Manila.

A nine-time NBA All-Star and the 2006 champion with the Miami Heat, Payton sat down with event host Tin Gamboa, former PBA player Jared Dillinger, and fantasy basketball expert Papi Roi for a wide-ranging discussion. The panel highlighted Payton’s decorated 17-year career, his run-ins with the NBA’s greats, and the lessons he carries with him today.

Payton stresses the value of lifelong learning

Payton recalled his unforgettable “Welcome to the NBA” moment against Michael Jordan and reflected on lessons from his Oregon State coach Ralph Miller. “If you think you’ve learned everything you could learn in any field, you should hang up your shoes,” Payton said.

The Hall of Famer urged young players to stay humble and hungry. “I am never against learning anything, whether in business, in life, or in basketball. Kids have to understand there will always be someone greater. Work hard, keep learning, and soak up all the knowledge you can to become the best person you can be.”

Building the ultimate Daily Fantasy five

To mark his visit, Payton drafted his ideal fantasy five-man lineup: Tyrese Haliburton at point guard for his playmaking, Anthony Edwards as shooting guard for his scoring punch, Kawhi Leonard at small forward for his two-way presence, Anthony Davis at power forward for his inside-out dominance, and Nikola Jokić at center for his all-around impact.

Payton also sampled halo-halo and joined Filipino fans during a special meet-and-greet session, capping off a celebration of basketball and fantasy sports culture.