Basketball royalty just gave the Philippines its flowers. NBA Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving praised Filipino basketball culture at a major global business summit.

Erving joined a panel at the 56th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), held April 19-22 in Philadelphia. He appeared alongside Pennsylvania State Rep. Jordan Harris and WTC Greater Philadelphia CEO Thomas Young.

The panel focused on how cities build lasting economic power. But it was Erving’s tribute to Philippine hoops that stole the spotlight.

Dr. J Salutes the Philippines’ Basketball Legacy

“I have great respect for the love of basketball in the Philippines, it is one of the great basketball cultures in the world,” Erving said. The words carried extra weight coming from the only player ever voted MVP in both the ABA and NBA.

Erving tied that passion to a diplomatic milestone. “It’s especially meaningful to see that passion recognized on a global level, with the Philippines helping lead the effort to establish World Basketball Day at the United Nations in 2023,” he said.

The observance falls on December 21 each year. It marked Philippine basketball advocacy at the highest diplomatic level.

A Business Forum With Philippine Fingerprints

The GBF marked the event’s return to the U.S. after nearly a decade. It drew leaders from business, government, and academia worldwide.

Philippine companies showed up in force. Members of the World Trade Center Metro Manila Business Club attended to expand into new markets.

Alexis S. San Luis II, president of Golden Resources and Ecomaterials Enterprises Inc., said the trip paid off. “We were able to build strong connections and generate serious leads,” he said.

“It reinforced the importance of being present and ready for the global market,” San Luis added. Young’s own path from pro basketball in Germany to nonprofit leadership echoed the same theme.

Philippine sports journalist Quinito Henson has tracked that same crossover for years. He points to PBA legends like Kerby Raymundo and Robert Jaworski, who built lasting business careers after their playing days.

“Succeeding in business is never a one-man show,” Henson said. “It entails building partnerships, setting goals, and maintaining high standards of work ethics.”

For the Philippines, Erving’s shoutout was more than a nice quote. It reinforced a basketball identity now backed by a seat at the global business table.