When Asian Chamber was asked to host Asian Pacific Night at the Phoenix Suns, little did we know that more than 800 Asians would clamor to catch a glimpse of first draft pick, Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets!
Before our Asian Pacific Night at the Diamondbacks in July had even been over, Russ Terao of the Phoenix Suns was already thinking about the best game that would attract the most Asian fans to America West Arena. Enticing us with the chance for our Asian Pacific American Basketball tournament finalists to play their championship game on the Phoenix Suns Court, Asian Chamber president, Rocky Tang could not resist. His passion for sport tournaments involving Asian Pacifics was tempted and Russ was elated when Asian Chamber decided to sponsor another Asian Pacific Night, choosing the Suns v Rocket game.
Asian Pacific Night at the Phoenix Suns was kicked off with entertainment on the America West Arena Plaza. Asian entertainers from ASU and the community volunteered their time to celebrate the evening with dances from different Asian groups, kung fu demonstrations, lion dance and even a Chinese yo-yo lesson.
The excitement was in the air. We arrived early to assemble our individual groups for the program on the Phoenix Suns court. Our intern, Yung Chen and our photographer, Benny Yee, had a 15 minute media session with Yao Ming. Exciting stuff for them—and then we were honored to meet Yao Ming in person. Our main sponsor for Asian Pacific Night, Budweiser, sent David Kim who presented Yao Ming with a Year of the Horse Budweiser cap and a special t-shirt. He said to him through our intern, “The t-shirt will probably not fit you, but we wanted you to have it as a souvenir.” Then all of us were given the opportunity to welcome him to Phoenix and wish him the best.
In honor of Asian Pacific Night, Master Lu performed a lion dance and chased away any evil spirits that may be lurking around the Phoenix Suns and Edwin Tampos gave his traditional Hawaiian blessing to bless the court and the event.
To officially begin the game, The American Legion Thomas Tang Post 50 presented the Colors and the ASU Asian Harmony and Drops of Aloha sang the National Anthem.
The Japanese American Folk Dancers and the taiko drum troupe from the Japanese American Citizens League performed a wonderful traditional/modern dance to the theme song of the Phoenix Suns at half-time. The taiko drummers gave their usual wonderful performance and the winners of the basketball tournament were presented their trophies.
And then the game began. Yao Ming scored 10 points in 14 minutes to the delight of his admirers; but the Phoenix Suns won the game in the last few seconds! But were we surprised? No, not really; not after Master Lu chased away bad luck and Edwin cinched it with his blessing! (See p. 9 & 11 for more).
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