Lillard Time

raoul esperas

Damian Lillard, the star on the rise for the Portland Trailblazers, was in Manila for benefit games (that has been disappointedly scrapped) set for July 22 and 23. He was also supposed to appear at the adidas branch in Trinoma. Sadly, I was one of the  many fans disappointed not to see Gilas Pilipinas go up against a selection of NBA players and Damian Lillard. I've been a big fan of his since his rookie year. Drafted sixth overall by the Portland Trailblazers in the 2012 NBA Draft out of Weber State University. He was co-MVP during the 2012 NBA Summer League after averaging 26.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists. During NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston, he participated in the Rising Stars Challenge and won the Taco Bell Skills Challenge. He went on to average 19.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds and set an NBA rookie record for three-point field goals made with 185 en route to winning the Rookie of the Year Award after being voted unanimously. What impressed me the most with Damian Lillard is he wasn't a 'one and done' rookie. He attended Weber State University for 4 years, a path most NBA prospects forgoes. He is a proof that honing your game in the college level is important as it proved wonders for Damian as he played like a seasoned veteran. 

Slam Magazine

The following year, he would have a spectacular season. Lillard had a pair of back to back memorable game winners against the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was voted in by coaches as an All-Star in only his second year and made history by taking part in five events during the All-Star Weekend. He took part in the Rising Stars Challenge, the Skills Challenge together with Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz, Three-Point Shootout, Dunk Contest and the All-Star game that Sunday night. He went on to average 20.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds to  barge fifth in the Western Conference. He would lead the Trailblazers past the first round versus the Houston Rockets by hitting a game winning, series clinching three pointer. Their second round run would be cut short by the eventual champions, the San Antonio Spurs. 

In two years in the NBA, Lillard has averaged 19.9 points, 6.0 assists and 3.3 rebounds, has been voted as an All-Star, has hit game winners and can arguably be among one of the best NBA clutch players in his young career. He's exciting to watch and has a humbleness that every NBA player should emulate (ala D Rose). The future is bright for Lillard and the Trailblazers. With a roster with key signings this off-season, they will be sure contenders in a tough Western Conference. He's also recently re-signed with adidas (a signature line in the near future maybe?) which will further boost his status as a household name. The recently scrapped benefit games and store appearances would have boosted his international fan base even more, but I guess we have to wait another year and hope he puts us in his travel plans. 

The young stud who wears the number "0" on his jersey that he says stands for the letter "O" for Oakland, his hometown, Ogden, his college's state and Oregon, his NBA's team state is now a superstar on the rise after being overlooked at a young age and playing a chip on his shoulder. He may wear zero but he's a sure hero.