One of the standout prospects in the 16-and-under division of the 2025 Smart-NBTC tournament is taking steps to become eligible as a local for Gilas Pilipinas.
Kainoa Patton has already met with Gilas Boys coaches LA Tenorio and Gabe Norwood before he and his family returned to the United States, expressing his commitment to the Philippines.
According to Fil-Am Nation’s Rodel Lizan, Patton will receive his Philippine passport next week — a full two months before his 16th birthday.
Widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the class of 2028, Patton is currently ranked by Prep Hoops as the No. 1 shooting guard in his batch.
While his playing time with Fil-Am Nation’s 19-and-under squad was limited, he made a strong impression with the 16-and-under team known as “The Truth,” averaging 22.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 31.6 percent from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-3 wing currently attends Corona Centennial High School in California.
Securing Patton as a local would not only strengthen the Gilas Boys program but also provide a promising addition to the men’s national team in the future.
