MANILA, Philippines — Just like how the late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and other NBA stars inspired generations of basketball players and fans during their respective Manila visits in the past, Sabrina Ionescu’s own tour in this hoops-crazy country will make a big impact in the growth of Philippine women’s basketball.

The warm welcome Ionescu received from Filipino fans upon her arrival was a testament to the rise of women’s basketball in the Philippines.

Camille Clarin, a UAAP champion out of National University, relished the opportunity to share a moment with the WNBA star during Ionescu’s panel talk on Monday that also included PBA legend LA Tenorio, and La Salle Lady Archers coach Cholo Villanueva.

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— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 10, 2025

“To see is to believe. Especially here in the Philippines, the women’s basketball scene isn’t as glorified as the men’s. So I think for Sabrina to be here, the first Nike athlete to come in our [country] after the pandemic, I think it’s great to show that they’re really taking the women’s game seriously now,” Clarin told reporters.

“And for them to put a face to the game, I think it’s such a great experience for the young girls to see that with that work, with that dedication to the game, things like this are possible.”

Clarin, part of the Lady Bulldogs’ seven-year reign ended by the UST Growling Tigresses in UAAP Season 86 in 2023, channeled her inner Ionescu, who redeemed herself from a WNBA Finals loss two years ago by helping the New York Liberty claim their first championship last October.

Ionescu said her finals setback only made her and the Liberty stronger.

“That’s part of everyone’s journey and being okay with that and understanding that you can learn through a lot of that tough times to be better and come out on the other end and become a better player, better person, better teammate, and you’re able to learn a lot of yourself during that time of adversity,” said Ionescu.

READ: Sabrina Ionescu makes impact–not just 3s–in Manila return

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— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 10, 2025

“I think being able to understand what it took to lose and what didn’t go right really helped us be able to win this year. And when you’re in that moment, obviously, it feels like the world is ending, everything is awful. You can quit and just feel that you’re not good enough and complain or you can come back next year a better version of yourself and continue to strive and achieve that ultimate goal.”

Like Ionescu, Clarin bounced back by ending her UAAP career with a championship following a title rematch against UST three months ago.

“Like she said, it’s those losses, they’re part of the game and I think that detaching yourself from the outcome and just enjoying the process of becoming a better player, loving the game. I think that’s what I took away from the conversation the most,” said the Gilas Pilipinas player. “At the end of the day, we’re all just athletes, so for us to be able to be in that space and talk about that and share those insights, I think it’s such a good feeling.”

Tenorio, the Barangay Ginebra star and former national team mainstay, said Ionescu’s Manila tour will be a game changer for women’s basketball as it will inspire more young talents to strive for their dreams.

READ: Sabrina Ionescu set for Manila visit

“It’s very important because they, as young players, they can get the motivation or inspiration from them. The way they talk, the way they handle pressure, also the way how they work hard and to have that, just like Kobe Bryant always said, Mamba Mentality. The young kids can adapt also,” said Tenorio. “I think nowadays, the young players are very, very lucky to see a lot of international athletes coming here, especially here in Manila, because during our time, there are no international athletes coming here. Just to have the time to be with them, to interact with them, it’s a great opportunity.”

From calling the shots in front of empty seats in his early coaching years in UAAP women’s basketball, Villanueva, who’s been at La Salle’s helm for the past 10 years, is ecstatic to witness the growth of their sport with Ionescu, a WNBA and Olympic champion, promoting the game through her influence.

“I’m very proud of where the women’s basketball community has grown and is growing more. Hopefully, we continue to progress in women’s basketball,” said Villaueva. “Just keep on moving forward until you achieve whatever goal that you want.”