Jalen Green reacts after being drafted by the Houston Rockets during the 2021 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on July 29, 2021 in New York City. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines—Houston’s selection of Jalen Green second overall in the 2021 NBA Draft not only brings a spark to its backcourt but an avenue to a whole new fan base.
Green, the son of a Filipino-American mother, is the third player in NBA history who has roots in the Philippines along with Jordan Clarkson and Raymond Townsend.
The 6-foot-6 guard, who took a private jet to the Draft in New York, also played in the Philippines during the National Basketball Training Center National Finals in 2019 as part of FilAm Sports USA.
Fueled by his love for family, @JalenGreen is ready to take on all comers at the next level. ♥️ 🇵🇭 #RepublikaNgNBA pic.twitter.com/qUEhjIE4Rz
— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) July 30, 2021
Green is also the first player of Asian descent that the Rockets selected in the Draft since Yao Ming in 2002.
“I’m always excited to represent the Philippines to the fact that this is kind of like it was scripted,” said Green in the post-draft press conference Friday.
“I’m excited to take that out there and just represent the Philippines and I can’t wait to meet everybody.”
Congratulations to @JalenGreen on getting drafted #2 overall. Looking forward to watching your journey to becoming a superstar. 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/SyuGLKHkR1
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) July 30, 2021
Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, meanwhile, sent out a congratulatory message for Green.
“Looking forward to watching your journey to becoming a superstar,” Pacquiao tweeted.
Green was a pioneer in terms of going the different route to the NBA as he skipped college to join the G-League Ignite, a team that was created to develop prospects.