Lethal Shooter Chris Matthews Creates Historic Rooftop Moment in Taguig
Chris Matthews, globally renowned as "Lethal Shooter," the world's most sought-after shooting coach and a basketball phenomenon, recently made a landmark visit to the Philippines. During his trip, Matthews achieved a historic first by taking a shot from the rooftop of The Tenement in Taguig, blending his signature creativity, precision, and flair into a moment that honors the Philippines' deep-seated love for basketball.
Celebrating Philippine Basketball Passion
Matthews expressed profound admiration for the local basketball culture, stating, "In the Philippines, the love and the passion just go really deep in the blood. People and the passion here is, to me, number one. It's true love here for the game." This heartfelt comment underscores the country's vibrant streetball scene and its significance on the global stage.
A Daring Rooftop Feat and Technical Mastery
The rooftop shoot at The Tenement basketball court was a daring first, showcasing Matthews' ability to push boundaries with skill and precision. He shared his excitement, saying, "You know, my entire life, I saw this amazing court online. I saw the legendary people — Michael Jordan, Kobe, Luka — everybody had a mural here. So to shoot from the roof and to make a shot and to have a mural here, it's a dream come true, man. It's like basketball heaven for me."
To accomplish this historic shot, Matthews employed a specific technique due to the height and distance from the ring. He explained, "I had to use my pointer finger to soften the ball up because I was so high that the ball was coming so hard. So I had to have touch to hit the backboard. That's not really a shot from that far, and you'd have to use the backboard for it to go in." This insight highlights the technical expertise required for such an innovative feat.
Community Engagement and Grassroots Inspiration
Beyond the rooftop shoot, Matthews actively engaged with the local community through exhibition matches and a dunk contest, sharing tips and personal insights with Filipino hoopers. He emphasized his philosophy of perseverance, noting, "That's the one thing I love about being a Red Bull. It's a company that's always devoted to giving back to the community and giving back to people who are pushing themselves in life, and that's me."
His visit championed grassroots and streetball culture, demonstrating that basketball thrives at every level—from casual neighborhood courts to international platforms. A custom court mural, designed by his cousins in collaboration with Tenement Visual Artists, celebrated this spirit by highlighting Lethal Shooter's iconic challenges, such as Man vs. Turbine, inspiring local players with his tenacity and passion.
Advice for Aspiring Filipino Basketball Players
Matthews offered valuable advice to young Filipinos dreaming of improving their game: "Just continue to be patient. Don't be in a rush. Understand that greatness takes time, and never allow failure to set you back. Use it to learn." This guidance encourages resilience and dedication in pursuing basketball excellence.
This landmark visit by Lethal Shooter marks a unique moment for Philippine basketball, combining elite coaching, community engagement, and a record-breaking rooftop shot, as shared on his official Instagram. It reinforces the Philippines' status as a hub of basketball passion and innovation.
