I’ve been tracking Filipino basketball players for years, and seeing some of them make it to the NBA is downright exhilarating. One name that everyone should know is Jordan Clarkson. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and the Philippines, which allows him to represent the Philippines in international competitions. Clarkson started his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers after being picked 46th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. What’s more, his performance has always been impressive. For instance, in the 2020-2021 NBA season, he averaged 18.4 points per game which earned him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, a recognized title in the NBA for the best bench player.
Another player who has roots in the Philippines is Jalen Green. Selected by the Houston Rockets as the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Green made waves not just for having a Filipino heritage, but for his potential on the court at such a young age. He was only 19 when he entered the NBA, and his athleticism and scoring ability became immediately apparent. In his rookie season, he averaged 17.3 points per game, showing that he was not just about hype, but he could deliver results. Such youthful energy combined with skill hasn’t always been easily quantifiable, but Green’s stats speak volumes.
And then there’s Raymond Townsend, the first Filipino-American to ever play in the NBA. He played for the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers in the late 70s and early 80s. It was a different era, one in which the game wasn’t as obsessed with advanced metrics like PER (Player Efficiency Rating) or true shooting percentage, but Townsend still managed to make a name for himself. He’s often cited as a pioneer for Filipino-Americans in basketball, giving inspiration to many who thought making it to the NBA was impossible.
Possibly lesser known but equally important is Gabe Norwood. Although he never made it into the NBA as an active player, he was once invited to play in the NBA Summer League, representing the Utah Jazz. Norwood is a significant figure in Philippine basketball and has captained the national team for several years. He’s won multiple PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) championships, and his skills are often compared to high-level NBA players. His athleticism and defensive prowess have made him a staple for the Philippine national team.
We shouldn’t forget the trailblazers like Johnny Abarrientos, who got an invite to play for the Charlotte Hornets during the 1997-1998 NBA season. Abarrientos, known as “The Flying A,” was a standout point guard in the PBA, and his skills caught the eye of NBA scouts. Although contractual issues and team considerations prevented him from officially joining the NBA, receiving such an offer was a significant milestone. For many fans, this opened the door to the notion that Filipino players have what it takes to make it to the big leagues.
One of the more recent discussions around potential NBA players from the Philippines involves Kai Sotto. Standing at 7’2″, Sotto has been turning heads with his height and skill set since his teenage years. He’s currently involved in international leagues and has been a part of the NBA G League’s Ignite team. Speculations about his future in the NBA have been rampant, with many believing it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” In 2021, he signed with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia to gain more experience, and scouts continue to keep an eye on his progress. His impact is often compared to other international giants who transitioned successfully to the NBA.
Connecting back to Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green, their success stories are backed by numbers and visible impact on the court. Clarkson’s 18.4 points per game in the 2020-2021 season weren’t just numbers but evidence of his ability to consistently perform under pressure. Similarly, Jalen Green’s rookie season stats showed a promising career trajectory. These players have been part of many “SportsCenter” highlights and game-winning plays that you can easily find on nba ph, a testament to their undeniable influence in the league.
Raymond Townsend may not have had the advanced statistical backing that today’s players have, but his presence and pioneering efforts left a legacy. And who could ignore Gabe Norwood’s contributions, even without an NBA career, his multiple PBA championships and leadership in the Philippine national team speak volumes. Statistics, historical benchmarks, and personal narratives all intertwine to show that these players not only made it to the NBA but also paved the way for future generations of Filipino basketball talents. In a sport where stats often decide legacies, their stories remind us that numbers sometimes underscore even bigger tales of dedication and passion.