Jason Perkins has been in the Philippines for the past 10 years, and a surprise awaited the sweet-shooting, 6-foot-4 forward just a couple of weeks ago.
‘Hefty Lefty’ was invited to be a part of Gilas Pilipinas Men for the 19th Asian Games, a call-up he did not expect in his career.
“I’m super happy. I’m around Calvin [Abueva] and June Mar [Fajardo], and I’m learning a lot really fast. Working with Coach Tim [Cone] every morning… I feel like I’m going to basketball school,” said Perkins.
“I’m learning a lot about basketball that I never knew before.”
The last time Perkins was called up to Gilas was during the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Alongside Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, and Mo Tautuaa, the Philippines dominated the competition en route to gold. This time around, he gets to compete in the 5-on-5 setting.
However, that’s not the only thing special for Perkins in his 10th year in the Philippines.
Like Newsome a year ago, Perkins is hoping to be classified as a local in the eyes of FIBA.
The 30-year-old native of Shakopee, Minnesota checks all the criteria, having graduated from De La Salle University, played in the PBA for the last six years, and even set up a business in the country.
“Siyempre! I didn’t even know about that, but yeah, I should do that. I’m excited,” said Perkins about the prospect of being able to compete in FIBA competitions as a local.
Looking back at the last 10 years, Perkins cannot help but be thankful. It’s his motherland that gave him the opportunities he only dreamt of while growing up in the US.
“I’m so glad that I came here. It changed my life. I don’t know what I would be doing if I had stayed home. Maybe working in an office or even being in jail? I don’t know.
“Now, I get to play basketball as my job. I’m extremely blessed and just super grateful to be here,” said Perkins, who moved to the Philippines when he was just 19 years old.
Of course, his sole focus right now is winning gold in the Asian Games.
After all, it’s his way of giving back to the place he has called home for the last decade.
“The goal is to win gold. The personal goal is to keep growing, keep learning, and stay optimistic.”
