Will Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green wear a Gilas Pilipinas jersey?

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

However, the rumored talents that have recently surfaced on social media may not be as interested as expected as the two NBA stars Green, of Filipino descent, and Okongwu have other interests.

Team USA or Team PH?

Although Green seemed hesitant to play for the national team, he still discussed the possibility of representing the country in an international match in an interview with Sports on Air’s Venencio Valencia.

“Maybe, but I have to try for Team USA first,” said Green, who previously won gold medals while representing Team USA at the 2019 FIBA ​​U19 World Cup, the 2018 FIBA ​​U17 World Cup and the FIBA ​​U17 World Cup ​​Represented America’s 2017 U16 Championship.

In a separate interview with the media, Green clarified his previous answers to Valencia: “I want to play with the USA first and win a gold medal.” There is no consideration. I want to play for states first, then I’ll play for Gilas.”

Still well represented

Green is now in his fourth season with the Houston Rockets and averaged 19.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Although he doesn’t see Gilas as a priority, he is happy for the country as more players of Filipino descent enter the NBA.

“I think it’s lit. The Philippines, it’s an amazing country. They love basketball and have some really good people representing them,” said Green, 22.

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

Meanwhile, he gave some advice to former G League teammate Kai Sotto, who is still aspiring to get into the NBA and hopes to be the first local to play in the league, but is currently in the Japanese B. League plays.

“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 rides take longer than others, just keep fighting it,” he advised.

What about Okongwu?

In addition to Green, Okongwu from the Atlanta Hawks is also said to have played for Gilas. He was apparently part of the 60-man pool for the 19th Asian Games and was due to be added as a naturalized player.

However, it is unlikely that the 6-foot-10 man, who is averaging 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the Hawks this season, will prioritize playing for the Philippine national team, like Green .

“Maybe, probably I said something about it. But you know, if I try to play internationally, it will be for Team Nigeria,” Okongwu said about his willingness to play for Gilas.

Born to Nigerian immigrants, the 24-year-old played college basketball for USC but spent his AAU days under Filipino coaches. “I love my old coaches but no, (I am) Team Nigeria,” he replied.

Okongwu immediately ignored the concept, adding that no one from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas or Gilas side had approached him about a Filipino naturalization option.

While Gilas Pilipinas may not be a priority or a “must have” squad in an international competition, it is evident that the current group is already performing well and representing the country admirably.

Having players like Green and Okongwu will undoubtedly improve the country’s chances, but the key players in the current team will continue to be crucial to Gilas Pilipinas’ future success.