Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is known as one of the best ball-handlers in the NBA, but he’s also becoming one of the league’s most recognizable international ambassadors. As most hoops fans in the United States were fast asleep in bed last night, Irving was making a promotional appearance on the other side of the globe for Nike as part of their World Tour.
“Uncle Drew,” as Irving is known, was in the Harajuku area of Tokyo, Japan, where he made a brief speech (with the assistance of a translator) to scores of fans and media.
“I’m so happy to be in Japan right now,” Irving said during his appearance.. “Oh my goodness. Thank you, guys.”
In addition to his appearance at the Nike store in Tokyo, Irving also hosted a youth basketball clinic, as well as a skills competition for students from all across Japan. The NBA’s official Japanese Twitter account posted an appreciative group photo of Irving and the participants.
Thank you @KyrieIrving!! #NBA #NBAjp #KYRIETOKYO pic.twitter.com/MHChwTDBY3
— NBA Japan (@NBAJPN) July 21, 2017
Clearly, Irving’s world-wide popularity is on the rise. A certain amount of responsibility comes along with being an NBA emissary. However, there really is no better candidate for the job.
For more images of Irving’s Tokyo visit, fans can head over to this link from Kyodo News.
