JALEN GREEN may only be of partial Filipino descent, but that does not stop him from being repeatedly vocal about his love for both the country and his supporters from halfway around the world.
“It means everything to me just to have that extra support, extra love,” expressed Green during a recent online interview arranged by National Basketball Association Philippines.
The 18-year-old Green’s mother, Gree Purganan Green, traces her roots to Ilocos Sur.
As a consensus five-star recruit, the 6-foot-5 guard has received offers from more than 20 universities but only visited Oregon, Auburn, Memphis and Kentucky. He also spurned multiple offers from Australian National Basketball League clubs to sign with the newly formed G League select team, where he is set to play alongside 7-foot-2 Filipino phenomenon Kai Sotto.
“When I was in the Philippines, I didn’t really get a chance to play with him. I was always on the opposing team so now that we get to play together we can turn it into something and represent the Philippines,” said Green, believing they will have great chemistry as teammates under multiple NBA champion Coach Brian Shaw.
The opportunity for Green to team up with Sotto would be a rare look for two potential future stars. It could have been a deadly partnership for the Philippine national basketball team—but while Sotto has donned the Gilas Pilipinas colors several times, Green already represents Team USA in international competitions.
Despite that, Green’s love for his grandfather’s homeland continues to shine as he vowed to fly the Philippine flag throughout his journey toward the ultimate dream of playing in the NBA.
“It means the world to have that love and support,” he said. “I don’t look at it as extra pressure. I look at it as extra motivation just to keep pushing and keep going, and just to know that I have the Philippines on my back.”
Justin Taguibao, 32, went to College of Saint Benilde and is currently self-employed.