University of Kansas’ Filipino-American guard Remy Martin. REMY MARTIN INSTAGRAM
MANILA, Philippines—University of Kansas guard Remy Martin honored his Filipino heritage in celebration of his biggest milestone yet in his young career.
Martin, who is Filipino-American, was instrumental in Kansas’ campaign in the US NCAA men’s basketball tournament where the Jayhawks clinched their first national title since 2008.
In a post on Instagram, Martin posed with the national trophy with the Philippine flag draped all over him.
“This is Bigger Than Me 🇵🇭🏆,” wrote Martin, whose mother is from Pampanga.
“Know my story you will understand me better! I represent my culture 🇵🇭 And love who love me!” he wrote in a separate post on Instagram Stories.
The 23-year-old Martin had already expressed his desire to suit up for the Philippine national team.
Martin, who starred for Arizona State in his first four years in college, holds dual citizenship—making him eligible to play for the Philippines as a local in events such as the Asian Games the way Jordan Clarkson did back in 2018.
But playing for the Philippines in a Fiba-sanctioned event is a different story. As per Fiba’s eligibility rules, Martin will need to be naturalized in order for him to suit up for Gilas having not been able to obtain a Philippine passport before the age of 16.
He was part of the 23 players on the “23 for 2023” list by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas back in 2018.
Martin was the difference maker in the national championship game where he fired 11 of his 14 points in the second half, helping Kansas complete the biggest comeback in an NCAA title game following a 72-69 win over North Carolina.