KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Canadian streetball sensation Matt Kiatipis, better known online as MK, has set Malaysian basketball fans abuzz after kicking off his three-day 1v1 tour in Kuala Lumpur.
Huge crowds turned up in Puchong yesterday for his pop-up match. Says.com reported that spectators climbed fences, hauled ladders and even perched on rooftops to catch a glimpse of the viral player in action.
MK, who rose to fame through his high energy one on one streetball videos, shared his excitement on Instagram Stories, writing: “Malaysia y’all are INSANEEEE!!! I love you.”
He also posted a clip showing a police escort leading him to the game.
“I knew it was gonna be a good day when we had the police escort us to the game.”
The Canadian player, currently on the Kuala Lumpur leg of his South-east Asia 1v1 Tour, has already drawn massive crowds in Jakarta and Singapore, where previous stops became so packed that police had to step in to manage the crowds.
MK keeps the exact court locations secret until game day to control turnout, but confirmed his next Malaysian matches will be held on Wednesday, Oct 14, and Friday, Oct 16.
In another Instagram Story yesterday, he teased fans asking about tonight’s game.
“Everyone’s asking me… where and when is the next 1v1 in MALAYSIA??? October 14th.. 8PM, Cross Court. See y’all soon. Let’s make it even crazier than today.”
Earlier, MK had challenged Malaysian players directly, The Sun reported.
“Malaysia, I HEARD YALL IN THE DM’S… LETS GOOOOO!!
Like I said before… ASIA IS EASY, I haven’t lost yet. I NEED A REAL CHALLENGE!!”
The viral athlete’s visit has sparked a wave of excitement among local basketball fans, with many inviting him to their hometowns and sharing clips from the packed October 13 event.