Phil Handy, a respected assistant coach and three-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, made his way to Manila to conduct basketball clinics and training sessions in the Philippines.
Known by his moniker "Mr. 94 Feet of the Game," Handy will be leading programs for local basketball coaches, elite varsity teams, and the PBA's Converge FiberXers.
Handy's extensive experience includes working closely with some of the NBA's greatest players, such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard. Now, he aims to impart his knowledge to Filipino athletes.
Eager to immerse himself in the basketball culture that thrives in the Philippines, Handy expressed his enthusiasm for experiencing Filipino customs, and cuisine and engaging with the passionate basketball community.
“I really just, just getting a real feel for Filipino culture. I grew up in a community, but if you touch down in the Philippines and have a chance to be here, I’ve always heard great things about it, just getting a chance to experience the culture, and the food and then just having the opportunity to dive into the basketball community, I’m really excited of all those things," said the LA Lakers assistant coach.
With a diverse basketball background spanning playing stints in the US, England, France, and Australia, followed by coaching and player development roles, Handy's objective is to share his expertise beyond the borders of the United States.
Driven by his love for the game, Handy shared that he is dedicated to sharing his experiences and insights with coaches and players worldwide.
"Just being able to help the game of basketball continue to be on a healthy place all over the world. So this is the first stop... and I’m glad it’s in the Philippines.” he added.
Despite it being the off-season for Handy as the Lakers' assistant coach, he maintains his unwavering commitment to excellence and will bring the same level of intensity and professionalism to the players he will be coaching in Manila.
Handy's remarkable basketball journey includes an unprecedented streak of reaching the NBA finals six times consecutively from 2015 to 2020, resulting in three championships.
Notably, he celebrated the victory with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, the Toronto Raptors in 2019, and the Lakers in 2020.
