After 14 years, a player from the National Basketball Training Center has been drafted to the National Basketball Association.
Jalen Green, who played for FilAm Sports USA from 2018-19, was picked as the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Friday morning (Manila time).
And for NBTC founder Eric Altamirano, it was a privilege for the league to have had a talent like Green compete in it.
“It was a privilege having Jalen Green come to play in the NBTC National Finals for two consecutive years,” said Altamirano.
“His commitment to come to the SM Mall of Asia Arena and play in Manila displayed his love for his Filipino roots, and we were honored to have him.”
FilAm Sports, a team coached and formed by Bong Ulep, has had a mission to bring top Filipino talents in the US to the NBTC.
Besides Green, players like Kamaka Hepa, Kihei Clark, Jeron Artest, and Kai Ballungay were able to learn more about their roots because of the program.
For his part, Green created so many memories in the NBTC.
He holds the record for most points scored in a game with 51 when FilAm took on San Beda in 2018. He was also the tournament MVP in 2019.
“I have seen Jalen up close and watched this young man electrify the crowd with his exceptional level of play,” continued Altamirano.
“But more than that, he endeared himself to so many people he interacted with.”
With Green getting drafted to the NBA, Altamirano hopes that this will open opportunities for more Filipinos to play not just in the big league but anywhere else in the world as well.
“A very humble person on and off the court, truly an inspiration to our young basketball players.”
