Sunday, October 9, 2022 – 5:58 PM
ABU DHABI, 9th October/WAM/ A number of NBA stars expressed their happiness to be in the capital Abu Dhabi during the past few days, following they participated in the two NBA preliminary matches, between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. .
These stars confirmed in their statements that the experience was completely different from other experiences they had taken outside the United States of America, describing it as a wonderful human and cultural experience by all standards.
The NBA preliminaries were played on Thursday and Saturday for the first time in the Middle East, under a multi-year strategic partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the National Basketball Association.
Atlanta Hawks coach Nate McMillan, who won both matches, said: “A great experience we had for days in Abu Dhabi, a very beautiful country and we have been very welcome since we arrived. Everything that was planned has been fully implemented.”
He added: “In addition to the victory we achieved in Abu Dhabi, and the many technical benefits that our players achieved from outside the country, we also had a wonderful social and human experience where we got to know new cultures and different types of food. This matter was important to us, as the team gained more energy. Positive before returning and participating in the matches.
Milwaukee Bucks player Lyndell Wigginton expressed his great admiration for the UAE and the capital, Abu Dhabi, stressing that his happiness was indescribable when he saw young children flock to the players to talk with them and take memorial photos.
He said: “When I was young, I was passionate regarding this matter, and I understood that when I started playing the game, and what we did with young children and our fans from all over the world, especially in Abu Dhabi, was very positive.”
He stressed that the large crowd in the two matches confirms the great popularity it enjoys in this wonderful multicultural country.
Assem Al-Khouli/ Ahmed Mustafa
