XIAN Lim admits it’s a dream come true for him to be playing basketball professionally as he is now one of the players of Maharlikha Pilipinas Basketball League (MBPL) team Mandaluyong El Tigre. Xian played on the court for the first time last July 5, with his team winning against the Pasig Pirates, 98-55.
“Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ako pumunta from the States to the Philippines, to play basketball for UE along with (JR) Alabanza kaya nakakatuwa na nag-reconnect kami,” the actor told ABS-CBN Sports. Xian returned to the Philippines in 2008 to pursue a basketball career like his father, Godofredo Lim Uy, who played in the UAAP for the UE Red Warriors.
He added, “Napakagandang opportunity ng MPBL especially for everyone, all the Filipinos who want to play basketball to be given a chance”.
Xian said that playing basketball taught him a different kind of discipline.
“Sobra (ang disiplina sa schedule) dahil iba po ang disiplina ng player. Kapag sinabing seven o’clock ang practice hindi pwedeng nine o’clock dumating. It’s a whole other discipline po sa basketball… Araw-araw nagpa-practice, napapagalitan nga lagi ni coach Mac pero to become a better player naman po.”
As for competing with fellow actor Gerald Anderson, who’s also the ex-boyfriend of his rumored lady love Kim Chiu, Xian commented that he and the Marikina Shoemasters member both have a common goal.
“Pareho kaming nangangamba kasi all the other players we’re playing with napakagaling and siyempre for me and Gerald to get playing time. Si Gerald naman, he’s a really good basketball player. Pero for me and him to get playing time, nilalakasan na lang po namin ang dasal namin kay Lord,” he admitted.
The 2018 MPBL (Maharlikha Pilipinas Basketball League) Datu Cup is the second season of the new basketball association founded by Sen. Manny Pacquiao. (Push)
