Meet Ronan Padriga, The Boy Who Got LeBron's Jersey In The Witness History Event In MOA Arena

By Val Marvin G. Macanas


Manila, Philippines - The luckiest person during the LeBron James #WitnessHistory Event yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena is a Grade-School baller, Ronan Raphael Padriga from the Ateneo De Manila University Elementary Department. LeBron James handed his game worn jersey to the little boy.

"I'm very happy that I got this signed jersey of LeBron," shared Ronan in an interview conducted by BallersPinas moments after he got the most coveted jersey inside the MOA Arena.

Ronan is a baller who idolizes the arguably best basketball player in the world right now.

"He's really my idol. I like his shooting skills and his work ethic on the court. He inspires me to be a basketball player," said Ronan while smiling.

True enough, LeBron's goal of inspiring the youth to engage into sports and become better individuals lives on.

Ronan is currently studying at the Ateneo De Manila University Elementary Department. He dreams of becoming a member of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets Elementary Basketball Team and someday become like Kiefer Ravena.

"I wanna be a varsity player. Magtatry-out ako sa Elementary Basketball Team and hopefully someday be like Kiefer Ravena of the Blue Eagles. I wanna be like him, a shooting guard" added Ronan.

When asked if he would also shave his head like his idol Kiefer. He just smiled and said...

"Hindi pa sure...."


On the meaning of Giving out his Jersey to a young boy...

By Aaron Masangkay


What does that mean? For me, I think giving out his jersey to a kid really shows that LeBron wants to inspire everyone especially the kids to be great as they can be. Being the best basketball player in the planet right now gives him the motivation to inspire other people through basketball.

He also said in one of his interviews that he wants kids not to be like him, but he wants them to be better than him. As for his final words during the said event, he will continue to inspire other people, he vows to get even better this off season and showcase it when the season starts and he promised that he will be back here on the Philippines.