By REYNALD MAGALLON
There’s no one who had a better character development than Dillon Brooks in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
From getting booed and jeered upon by the Mall of Asia Arena crowd during his first game to being cheered on plus chants of “MVP! MVP!” in Canada’s bronze medal game against Team USA, Filipino fans had come to like and appreciate the game and the character Brooks portrays.
The Houston Rockets star said he had embraced the villain role for his team but admitted that fans cheering for him and recognizing his game was an amazing feeling.
“It’s just an amazing feeling to be recognized there in the game but I just never take it for granted. The work doesn’t stop here, it keeps me going and I am not satisfied, neither any of us in this team,” he commented.
Brooks is not an all bark no bite type of dog and he particularly displayed that during their game when he exploded for 39 points built on six triples to power the Canadians past the world No. 2 Americans in overtime, 127-118.
He, however, clarified that his bad boy image and demeanor on the floor was his other persona when stepping on the court.
“It’s just a persona. People love it. I have grown to love myself. It’s just like Kobe Bryant how he created the black mamba a different persona when he goes on the court,” said Brooks.
“I think that was my persona, the villain just on the court but I’m a loving caring guy who loves my kids, loves my family, loves my teammates and loves the world as well,” he added.
While it is only for the show, Brooks is very much aware that not all people would appreciate him and that’s perfectly fine for him.
“I just appreciate you from the beginning everybody that was throwing shots on Twitter and Instagram watching me play but it just helps me get better each and everyday,” Brooks said about the bashers.
“It motivates me to be better on the court for my teammates for whatever team I am playing for, just motivates me to keep going,” he added.
