Memphis Grizzlies standout Ja Morant took part in a significant international tour this offseason, making stops across Asia that included China, Tokyo, and Manila. The trip, which formed part of his broader “Make Them Watch” tour, was filled with community engagement and basketball events, highlighting Morant’s growing connection with fans abroad. The Ja Morant China Tour Highlights reflect the deep impact the journey had on him and the passionate reception from international basketball supporters.
Tour Activities and Community Engagement
Before heading overseas, Morant participated in major basketball events in the United States, including the EYBL Peach Jam tournament in Augusta, Georgia, and the NY vs. NY streetball tournament in New York. Following these appearances, he traveled to Asia, where his itinerary involved hosting training clinics, interacting with local athletes, and promoting his latest Ja 3 signature sneaker. Nike supported the tour by releasing exclusive graffiti-inspired colorways of the Ja 3 sneaker at each stop, creating a unique connection between the destinations and his footwear line.
A Nike press release detailed the tour’s objectives:
“From New York, Ja will travel to China, where he’ll host clinics and training opportunities for local hoopers and future stars in Mission Rise 2025, a program to give talented youth a shot to become the next world-class players,”
it stated. The program’s intent was to nurture emerging basketball talent and help young athletes improve their skills.
The tour concluded with a stop in Manila, where Morant planned an exhibition game aimed at inspiring Filipino players and engaging with the community by inviting local high school athletes to watch his workout sessions. The Japanese leg provided an opportunity for Morant to deepen cultural ties and strengthen relationships with fans and athletes in Tokyo.
China Experience: A Special Connection with Fans
Of the three Asian stops, Morant has spoken most warmly about his time in China, emphasizing the exceptional love and energy shown by basketball fans there. As one of the first <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA players to visit China this summer, he noted the contrast between the overwhelming crowd support overseas and what he typically observes back home.
Morant reflected on the experience by saying,
“I travel the miles to come out here and just to see all the love, where you have people standing outside the hotel, people standing outside whatever spot I got to go to, or even in the Rise gym, where you had 500 to 600 fans just in there, just screaming and showing a lot of energy.”
—Ja Morant
He described the emotional impact of seeing fans holding signs that express how far they traveled to support him, highlighting a reversal of roles where he became the visitor receiving admiration from thousands rather than the home player attracting a few dedicated fans. This heartfelt connection has left a lasting impression on Morant, reinforcing the significance of his international outreach.
The Broader Impact and What It Means for Basketball’s Growth
Ja Morant’s international tour stands as a testament to the global reach of basketball and the sport’s ability to inspire diverse communities. By engaging in grassroots programs and sharing his skills with young athletes, Morant contributes to the worldwide growth of basketball culture. His participation in programs like Mission Rise 2025 aims to create pathways for aspiring players from various countries to reach elite levels.
Moreover, the tour helps amplify Morant’s personal brand while celebrating cultural exchange through sport and entertainment. The special Nike Ja 3 sneaker editions symbolize the fusion of basketball and local identity, making the tour both a promotional and meaningful cultural event.
As the offseason progresses, Morant’s experiences abroad may influence how NBA stars engage with global fans and contribute to basketball’s expansion beyond the United States. His reflections underscore the importance of fan support around the world and the unique stories athletes create when they connect with new audiences.