Jalen Green made history as the NBA’s highest-drafted Asian American player in the league as well as being the third athlete of Filipino descent to make it to the NBA.
Pinoy pride: Green, 19, was previously spotted working out with the Houston Rockets and became their number two selection, according to Hypebeast.
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- His mother is half Filipino and from Ilocos Sur, according to Rappler.
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson and former Golden State Warrior Raymond Townsend are the other two NBA players with Filipino heritage.
- The Houston Rockets general manager, Rafael Stone, referred to Green as a “transcendent athlete” and an “extraordinarily exciting prospect.”
- “I love the Philippines. They show love and support. I’m just happy I get to represent them…I hope they’re excited,” Green told ESPN.
Baller history: The young baller is predicted to be a “versatile guard who is capable of scoring inside and out.”
- Green gave up going to college in order to join the G-League, the NBA’s official minor league, Forbes previously announced.
- He has won three gold medals at the FIBA World Cup and the FIBA Americas Championship, according to his USA Basketball profile.
- He was also named the 2020 Sports Illustrated All-America Player of the Year.
- Green previously visited the Philippines and played with the best high school ballers in the country as a member of the NBTC’s Fil-Am Select team.
Featured Image via Tanamoko TV (left), ESPN (right)
