Dazzling Doncic electrifies Manila

Slovenia's star playmaker Luka Doncic is putting on a show despite getting the boot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Despite the home team — Gilas Pilipinas — already out of contention, thousands of Filipino fans still trooped to the Mall of Asia Arena to see Doncic as he dazzled his way against the tough defense of Dillon Brooks and the Canadians late Wednesday.

Slovenia coach Alexander Sekulic was amazed at the adulation showered by Filipino fans to the 24-year-old Doncic, whose good looks, great attitude and superb basketball skills make him the toast of fans everywhere he goes.

In fact, against Lithuania, the charismatic Dallas Mavericks superstar still played heavy minutes despite the game being already decided.

"It's just an amazing atmosphere here," said Sekulic, bracing for another capacity crowd when Doncic and the Slovenians take on the Italians in their final classification match on Saturday.

"We felt like the whole arena was for us. The entire Philippines was for us. We have some guys who don't like us, but other than that, we really, really appreciate the support of the fans in the Philippines."

Sekulic said he was stunned by the Filipinos' passion for basketball that they are willing to cheer even for a game that doesn't involve the home team.

His players, Mike Tobey and Zoran Dragic, felt fortunate that they have received similar love given to Doncic, who is loving the rock-star treatment being given to him.

"It was crazy. It was nice to see how they cheer for Slovenia," Dragic said.

"We are very surprised and happy that we have fans here in the Philippines."

"It's amazing," Tobey added.

"I think they really love Luka and it gives us energy. We really appreciate that."

So passionate was Doncic that he got ejected in their 89-100 loss to Canada for his non-stop complaints.

But he came out ready to perform, finishing with 26 points, four rebounds and five assists.

He returned to the court 24 hours later and played with the same level of energy despite absorbing scratches as he endured the physicality of the Lithuanian defense that led to an 84-100 loss.

"Luka is very competitive," Sekulic said.

"He told me he wanted to play and I don't know where he found that energy. He was not just our best player, but he's our best man in providing energy. He was trying to motivate everybody to put us at another level, but I think we were not at the level where he wanted."