After representing the Philippines during the Dubai International Basketball Championship 2019 last February, Jeremiah Gray returned to the country early last week.
And it’s because the 6-foot-6 swingman was called up to be part of Mighty Sports anew for their 2019 Jones Cup campaign.
“Just being able to represent the Philippines. Anytime I have a chance to have the Philippines on my chest and play for the motherland, Im’ma do it.”
Grey, who averaged 15.0 points per game during Mighty Sports’ bronze finish in Dubai, has been working hard for the last five months.
Every day, the product of the Dominican University of California has been working out, getting shots up, and, most importantly, trying to get mass.
His improvements were seen during Mighty Sports’ tune-up against Gilas Pilipinas, Monday evening.
The 22-year-old had 10 points in the game in just 12 minutes of game time. In addition, he was able to provide a highlight breakaway jam late in the contest that drew oohs and aahs from the crowd inside the Meralco Gym.
Though elated to have thrilled the audience, he hopes that he also impressed Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao.
“It’s really cool, really good experience for me. Coach Yeng finally got to see me play in person,” he said.
“Hopefully, I caught his eye a little bit and maybe put me on the SEA Games team. It was a good opportunity for me.”
First thing’s first though for Gray is the current task at hand which is to win the Philippines’ sixth Jones Cup crown.
“I’m confident with our team. Haven’t seen how the other teams will look like but I’m confident that we can win this one.”
