By MARK REY MONTEJO
Philadelphia 76ers Jared McCain got the basketball-crazy Philippines all excited after confirming his Filipino roots in a video from an American sports channel.
The 20-year-old McCain, who has been turning heads this season in the NBA, went viral as the Filipinos repeatedly shared his video in various social media platforms.
“Shout out to my Asian community,” said McCain. “[I’m] probably like 10% Filipino, but that counts.”
Of course, Filipino basketball fans immediately jumped into the bandwagon and even got thrilled to the possibility of the NBA cager donning the country’s colors with Gilas Pilipinas.
It’s still unclear though whether he’s eligible but fans already loved the idea especially with Jordan Clarkson, a legitimate NBA player, playing for the flag during the FIBA World Cup.
With his confirmation, the 6-foot-3 rising star adds up to current NBA players who have Filipino descents also including Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green.
McCain has been a new key for the Sixers where he averaged 16.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 16 games – a spectacular statline from a rookie in the world’s biggest basketball league.
His dazzling run so far was highlighted by his 34-point outburst in their 114-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last Nov. 14.
Before entering the NBA, the Sacramento, California native suited up for the Duke Blue Devils for a year. From there, he became part of ACC All-Rookie team, McDonald’s All-American and won the California Mr. Basketball award – a plum for the most standout highschool player in the state.
And with his great performances, McCain eventually went in the 2024 NBA Draft where he was selected by Philadelphia as 16th overall pick in the first round.
