By Koh Yizhe/Red Sports

Question: What did Kobe Bryant do at the Singapore Indoor Stadium?

Answer: He made a spectacular entrance to the delight of 8,000 screaming fans, strutted around and talked for 40 minutes, made 7 layups, missed two jump shots, thanked the fans, and left.

That was what fans were "treated" to last night at the Kobe Bryant Asia Tour at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, where 8,000 fans gathered to watch "Mr. MVP" in action. One would think that he would be more active, displaying the skills that made him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the recent NBA Finals. A dunk or two would have been quite a sight to behold, but no such efforts were made. Some fans were even expecting him to play a match!

Many that Red Sports talked to believed Singapore was “just another stop” in his Asian tour, and felt hard done by his “touch-and-go” showing.

It was rather disappointing for some like Tham Chen Munn from the Singapore Modern Pentathlon Association. He, just like others, felt it was simply a publicity stunt where 8,000 people watched a superstar prance around for 40 minutes.

"I didn't know that Kobe Bryant wasn't playing a match! But I feel this whole thing is a publicity stunt. Basketball isn't about one man; instead, it is a team sport. However, it does help in the promotion of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in Singapore," said Chen Munn.

However, there were some who felt the enjoyment of seeing the "Black Mamba" in person.

The girls basketball team from Dunearn Secondary School were among those screaming their heads off when Bryant made his dazzling appearance. But when Red Sports tested their knowledge on Kobe Bryant trivia, all they knew was how big a superstar he is, and were unable to state his achievements.

"But you don't have to be a big Kobe Bryant fan to be screaming his name! He is really professional and impressive!" said Rachael Lim.

Still, they didn't know he wasn't playing a match.

"Oh really? I didn't know! But at least we get to see him through his coaching time with the 20 youths. However, I do agree it is a publicity stunt," commented Sherlyn Wong.

kobe ticket winner

Adrian Yusuf Maringan Pardede was the lucky winner of a pair of tickets in the Red Sports lucky draw. He is a big fan of Kobe Bryant’s shoes and is searching for his Finals shoe. (Photo 1 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)

kobe ticket winner

Pang Bo En already had tickets and so gave away his pair. (Photo 2 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)

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