Red Bull Philippines recently brought global basketball sensation Chris Matthews—better known as “Lethal Shooter”—to Manila, and he didn’t just visit. He made history.
The world’s most sought-after shooting coach became the first person ever to take—and sink—a shot from the rooftop of the iconic Tenement basketball court in Taguig. A court already legendary for its murals of basketball greats like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Luka Dončić, The Tenement has long been considered sacred ground for hoopers. Now, it holds another historic moment.
A Dream Shot in Basketball Heaven
For Matthews, the experience was deeply personal.
“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,” he shared. “It’s true love here for the game.”
Having seen The Tenement online for years, Matthews described the rooftop shot as a dream come true.
“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, to make a shot, and to have a mural here, it’s like basketball heaven for me.”
The shot wasn’t just dramatic—it required precision. Because of the height and distance, Matthews had to adjust his form mid-air.
“I had to use my pointer finger to soften the ball up because I was so high that the ball was coming so hard. You’d have to use the backboard for it to go in.”
The result? A record-breaking trick shot that instantly earned respect from the local basketball community.
More Than a Shot: Giving Back to the Community
Beyond the viral rooftop moment, Matthews immersed himself in the local basketball scene. He joined exhibition games, took part in a dunk contest, and shared shooting tips and personal stories with aspiring Filipino hoopers.
As a Red Bull athlete, Matthews emphasized one value that defines both his career and the brand: resilience.
“That’s the one thing I love about being a Red Bull athlete. It’s a company that’s always devoted to giving back to the community and to people who are pushing themselves in life—and that’s me.”
Matthews openly shared his journey—from being homeless and uncertain about his future to becoming one of the most respected shooting coaches in the world.
“I was one of those guys who didn’t know what I was going to do with my life, and Red Bull gave me an opportunity. To be part of events like this and get ready for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in the Philippines—this is a dream come true.”
His visit wasn’t just about skill—it was about inspiring grassroots and streetball communities, proving that greatness can rise from any court.
A Tribute to Streetball Culture
Adding to the celebration, Matthews unveiled a custom mural created by his cousins in collaboration with Tenement Visual Artists. The artwork highlights his iconic global challenges—including Man vs Turbine—symbolizing perseverance, creativity, and relentless passion.
The moment was shared on Lethal Shooter’s official Instagram, capturing fans worldwide.
Inspiring the Next Generation
When asked what advice he would give young Filipino players dreaming of improving their game, Matthews offered this:
“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.”
With the Philippines set to host the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in 2026, his visit signals something bigger: the global spotlight is on Filipino basketball culture.
“It’s huge for the country. Multiple countries are going to come here to play basketball. They’re going to see what the Philippines is about—its passionate love for the game.”
And if this historic rooftop shot is any sign, the world is watching.
For more updates, follow Red Bull Philippines and Lethal Shooter on social media.
A former educator and now working as a freelance writer. Simply living her own version of life’s passion – music, mobile photography, story telling, road trips and food trailing! 🙂