Ja in Manila

The Make Them Watch tour wraps up in a city where basketball runs deep. Where ballers move with instinct and soul.

Ja Morant pulled up not just to be seen, but to see them.

The tour tipped off with Ja showing up to surprise Manila and gear up 12 barangay ballers handpicked for the closing exhibition game at The Courtyard.

Nike Fort’s doors opened for a few young ballers who watched every poster, every comeback. Now, face to face with the blueprint.

Laced up in Ja 3s, local ballers tore through an outdoor skills circuit. The same grind that built 12’s game. All work. No let-up.

Then, Ja rolled up to the iconic Filipino Hoop Jeepney and set the tone early.

His unpredictability played out on the court as he took it to the rack and tested his bounce in full view. Phones out. Eyes wide.

Finally, the curtains were raised.

The selected 12 stepped onto the court and ran it against DLSZ, with Manila watching every move from courtside.

They brought it with fearless drive and tight handles, making a statement while splashing threes.

Ja stayed locked in on the sidelines. Soaking up the game-time heat at The Courtyard.

A final word, but far from the end.

That’s a wrap on Ja’s first global tour, but the next act’s already in motion. Sponsored off-season training will keep the 12 ballers ready to run it back.