Dunker Porter Maberry brings "heart over height" to the Manila Masters

31 Jul 2015

MANILA (2015 FIBA 3x3 World Tour) - Filipino basketball teams have proved over the years that size doesn't matter but the pin-sized (1.65m - 5ft 5in) professional dunker Porter 'What's Gravity' Maberry gave a brand new dimension to the saying, jumping over guys nearly 50 centimetres taller than him. We spoke with the US high-flyer before he competes in the SMART Dunk Contest of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Manila Masters on 1-2 August 2015.

FIBA.com/3x3WorldTour: How excited are you to compete again at the World Tour, this time in Manila, Philippines?
Porter Maberry: I'm very excited to compete in Manila this year! Last year I saw the video with Kristaps [Dargais] and the venue was amazing! The energy was crazy and I can't wait to feel that. 

I'm sure the people in Manila will love the performance because I'm coming to put on a show!!! - Maberry

FIBA.com/3x3WorldTour: How inspiring do you think your personal story can be for a country whose national team has sometimes struggled internationally with a certain lack of size?
Maberry: I feel that it will be really inspiring because they will connect with me more! I'll show them that the meaning of 'heart over height' is true, you can do anything you set your mind to! I feel that they know that because they go out and compete regardless of size.

FIBA.com/3x3WorldTour: What does this World Tour event mean to you, especially after your resounding win in Lausanne last season?
Maberry: Lausanne was my first major dunk contest win last summer and probably my biggest one so far. The atmosphere was amazing and it was after a lot of losing and to win on that stage was amazing, so this year I'm coming to Manila even better than last year and I can't wait to wow the crowd.

FIBA.com/3x3WorldTour: What kind of dunks have you been working on and what should Filipino fans expect from you this weekend?
Maberry: I've been working on a few dunks I'm going to need some cheerleaders this year, gonna spice it up a little bit ;). Maybe a car... hhmmmm might have to save that for another day... or maybe not!

FIBA