EXCLUSIVE: Gary Payton reveals his all-time starting five, pitches NBA Academy in the Philippines

NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton Sr., famously known as “The Glove,” gave Filipino basketball fans more than just handshakes and autographs during his Manila stopover at the VIVO x NBA event in SM Megamall.

The 2006 NBA champion pulled back the curtain on his basketball mind, revealing his all-time starting five and championing the idea of building an NBA Academy in the Philippines.

For Payton, his dream lineup features a mix of unmatched scoring, versatility, and record-breaking dominance.

“I really don’t usually put myself in here, I’ll be at point. The two I would probably put Michael Jordan, and at the three I would probably put Kobe. At four I would probably put Shawn Kemp, and I would have to always do this as a center, I would put Wilt Chamberlain,” Payton said, explaining that Chamberlain’s lasting records make him an undeniable pick.

But Payton wasn’t in Manila only to reminisce about the past. The Glove used the platform to spotlight the Philippines’ passion for basketball and urged the NBA to create a long-term structure that could turn local talent into world-class stars. 

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‘GLOVE’ IN MANILA

WATCH: Gary Payton meets his Filipino fans during a cellphone-brand event in the SM Megamall Cyberzone on Friday, September 12. pic.twitter.com/nW9SNR4ro8

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) September 12, 2025

“I think that the NBA should put more NBA schools and academies so they can get people from the NBA and get prepared for a higher level, bring kids over here so they can experience a different country,” Payton proposed.

His pitch resonated deeply with the Filipino crowd, who have long been recognized globally for their love of the game. For Payton, an NBA Academy in the Philippines would not only provide proper training and exposure but also serve as a bridge for young players to experience the game at the highest levels.

The meet-and-greet, part of vivo Philippines’ 10th anniversary celebration, was filled with energy as fans posed for photos, received signed memorabilia, and heard straight from one of the greatest defenders in NBA history. Still, it was Payton’s vision — blending legendary wisdom with future-oriented advocacy — that left the strongest impression.

As the night wrapped up, The Glove’s message was clear: the Philippines deserves more than just NBA events; it deserves an NBA pipeline. And if Payton’s words take root, the next generation of Filipino hoopers might one day share the court with the very legends he proudly named in his all-time five.

This marked Payton’s third visit to the Philippines. Back in November 2016, he flew to Cebu City for the opening of the NBA Store at Ayala Center Cebu — the first NBA Store outside Metro Manila — and also joined an NBA Cares outreach at Abellana National School. 

He also made an appearance in Manila during the same trip, meeting fans at the NBA Store in Glorietta 3, further strengthening his connection with Filipino basketball enthusiasts.

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