The National Basketball Association famously known as NBA is an esteemed league in the game of basketball. It not only has global reach for fans but for players also. One such nation is the Philippines. A basketball-loving nation has not been an exception to this trend.
Despite being a smaller country compared to basketball powerhouses, Filipino players have managed to leave an indelible mark in the NBA. There have been considerably less players from Asian countries but nonetheless very influential ones. We will explore the history and impact of the Philippines' NBA players, examining their contributions to the league and the inspiration they provide to aspiring athletes back home.
Top influential Philippines stars are as follows:
1. Jordan Clarkson:
The Tampa-born NBA star has Filipino roots. Drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2014, Jordan Clarkson is entering his 10th season in the league. He already has Won NBA’s 6th Man of the year award in 2021.
Playing for the Lakers in his rookie season, Clarkson averaged 12 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, earning a spot in the All NBA rookie first team. A consistent double-digit scorer had a breakout year with the Jazz team averaging career high 20 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
With an average of 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, the 31-year-old Guard played a vital role in all three teams he played for. Looking at the current Philippines roster, Clarkson certainly holds a key role in their quest for the FIBA championship.
2. Raymond Townsend:
One of the most prominent early examples was Raymond Townsend, who was the first Filipino-American guard to play in the NBA. He debuted with the Golden State Warriors in 1978. Playing in the league for 7 seasons, he made his mark as a useful asset for his team.
Townsend has won the 1975 NCAA Championship and 1985 FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Though his career was short, his presence opened doors for Filipino-Americans who followed in his footsteps.
3. Andray Blatche
One of the longest serving Filipinos in the NBA is Andray Blatche. He was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2005 as the 49th Overall pick. The 6 Feet 11 inches star hardly had a starting role in the team, but he made full use of the available game time. Averaging around 12 points, 5 rebounds and a block per game, Blatche appeared in 2 postseason series.
He later played for Brooklyn Nets, for 2 more seasons and finally moved to the Chinese league in search of Championship. He won the 2017 CBA title and as part of 2 CBA All-Star games. Blatche became a naturalized citizen of the Philippines in June 2014. This enabled him to represent the Philippine's national basketball team, where he is one of the experienced stars in this FIBA championship.
Andray Blatche has already won a Silver medal for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Championships and would love to better his team’s performance in the FIBA 2023 event.
Philippine player’s challenges
Despite the progress made, Filipino players still face challenges in breaking into the NBA. The limited height and physical stature of many Filipino players remain a barrier, as basketball at the highest level demands exceptional athleticism. Nevertheless, with the ongoing development of grassroots programs, improved training facilities, and the growing popularity of the sport, the prospects for more Filipino players to shine on the global stage continue to improve.
All above mentioned stars have made a name for themselves and the Philippines in the world of basketball. Additionally, NBA merchandise, particularly jerseys of Filipino players, has become a common sight in basketball courts throughout the Philippines. Young athletes now have role models to look up to, and the dreams of representing the country in international competitions feel more attainable than ever before.
The Philippines' presence in the NBA has grown from humble beginnings to a thriving and influential force in the league. As more young talents emerge and continue to pursue their NBA dreams, the future looks promising for the Philippines' basketball journey. These players exemplify the dedication, passion, and talent that characterize the country's deep love for the sport, reminding us all that basketball is more than just a game – it's a celebration of national identity and the Filipino spirit.
FAQs on Philippines NBA players
A. Raymond Townsend, who was the first Filipino-American guard to play in the NBA.
A. Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson is the only active basketball player playing for Philippine’s national team.
