He’s already 42 years old but former NBA hotshot Gary Payton hopes to dazzle his Filipino fans when he sees action in the centrepiece event of the NBA Asia Challenge this Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Known for his quickness and speed, Payton arrived late Sunday for a series of activities, including basketball clinics.

A certified star, Payton made an ultimate sacrifice in 2007 when he made a drastic cut in his salary to be able to play alongside Miami stars Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal.

His move did wonders to his career as he won his first NBA championship.

Other former NBA players who will take part in this week’s festivities are Glenn Rice and Mitch Richmond, who both arrived on Monday, as well as Chris Webber, now an NBA TV analyst who is set to arrive this Tuesday.

This year, the format will be different as NBA players will be mixed with former and current PBA superstars, as well as players from the NBA Developmental League. Coach Tim Cone of Fiesta Cup champion Alaska will mentor the Red Team, while Siot Tanquingcen of San Miguel Beer will call the shots for the White Team.