Tag: Gilas

AFTER watching an NBA talent like Jordan Clarkson play for the Gilas Pilipinas, fans can’t help but aspire for more. Recently, Jalen Green and Onyeka Okongwu were among those linked to the team. 

However, the reputed talents who recently surfaced on social media may not be as interested as everyone expected, as both NBA stars Green, of Filipino descent, and Okongwu have other interests.

Team USA or Team PH? 

Green, despite appearing hesitant to play for the national team, still raised the possibility of representing the country in an international game during an interview with Sports on Air’s Venencio Valencia.

“Maybe, but I got to try Team USA first,” said Green, who has previously won gold medals while representing Team USA in the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup, and 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

In a separate interview with the media, Green clarified his previous answers to Valencia, “I want to accomplish playing and winning a gold medal with the USA first. There’s no consideration. I wanna play for the States first, then I’ll go play for Gilas.”

Still Well-Represented

Green is now in his fourth season with the Houston Rockets, averaging 19.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Despite not seeing Gilas as a priority, he is glad for the country as more players of Filipino heritage enters NBA.

“I think it’s lit. The Philippines, it’s an amazing country. They love basketball, and they got some really good guys representing,” said the 22-year-old Green.

Recently, Philadelphia 76ers rookie sensation Jared McCain, who is now out with an injury, revealed that he is partially Filipino, as is Boogie Ellis, who plays for Sacramento’s G-League affiliate team, the Stockton Kings. 

Meanwhile, he gave some advise to former G-League teammate Kai Sotto, who is still striving to make it to the NBA and hopes to be the first local to play in the league, but is presently playing in Japan B.League.

“Just keep working. Stay in the gym. I mean, he has all the tools to be a really good player. So you know, just keep your head down. Some journeys take longer than others, just continue to fight it out,” he advised.

What about Okongwu?

Aside from Green, the Atlanta Hawks’ Okongwu was also reported to play for Gilas. He was apparently part of the 60-man pool for the 19th Asian Games, and was expected to be added as a naturalized player. 

However, the 6-foot-8 big man, who averages 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for the Hawks this season, is unlikely to prioritize playing for the Philippine national team as well, just like Green.

“Maybe, I probably said something about it. But you know, if I’m trying to play internationally, it would be for Team Nigeria,” Okongwu said, regarding his willingness to play for Gilas.

The 24-year-old was born to Nigerian immigrants and played collegiate basketball for USC, but spent his AAU days under Filipino coaches. “I got love for my old coaches, but nah, [I’m] Team Nigeria,” he replied. 

Okongwu immediately disregarded the concept, adding that no one from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas or Gilas side approached him regarding a natutalization option for the Philippines. 

Despite not considering Gilas Pilipinas a priority or a “must-join” squad in an international competition, it is evident that the current group is already performing and representing the country admirably.

Having players like Green and Okongwu will undoubtedly improve the country’s chances, but the key players on the present team will remain critical to Gilas Pilipinas’ future success.