Filipino-American Jalen Green is entertaining the prospect of playing for the Gilas Pilipinas national men's team.
The 18-year-old Green, whose mother is from Ilocos Sur, said this is a possibility, as he and his teammates await the start of the National Basketball Association G-League season.
“It can be a possibility. I have been asked that question a lot of times when I went to the Philippines in the last four years,” said Green.
The six-foot-five Green talked about his chances of being part of Gilas during an online meet-and-greet that was organized yesterday by NBA Philippines.
He is set to appear in the first NBA Republika Playoffs Party on Aug. 17 according to his coach Brian Shaw and retired cager Glenn Rice.
The NBA Republika Playoffs Party will be livestreamed beginning at 8 p.m. PHT on the NBA Philippines Facebook page.
And for Green to really be able to join the national squad, he will just need to secure a Philippine passport.
“It can be a possibility. But, I don't know if it can happen at this time,” said Green.
Green has been training with a G-League selection with 7’2” Kai Sotto ever since he signed a contract for the 2020–21 season.
And his decision will have Green bypassing a chance to play college basketball in the United States.
“It's another way of getting better, and learning how to play the game,” said Green in being part of a squad that is being coached by Shaw.
He already has experience in playing for a national squad. He suited up for Team USA and helped them get the gold medal in the 2019 Fiba Under-19 World Cup in Heraklion, Greece.
He also won the MVP in the 2018 Fiba Under-17 World Cup in Argentina as a member of Team USA.
And being the top NBA rookie draft prospect for next season, is also keeping Green busy.
The Golden State Warriors, among others, is showing interest in Green.
The Warriors could select Green next year, since, they have reportedly zeroed in on the top 5 2020 NBA Draft pick.