By CARLO ANOLIN
Jalen Green wrapped up his”JG4 Manila Tour” by visiting Ilocos Sur, the home province of her mother Bree Purganan, which is just one of the many ways to reconnect with his Filipino roots.
On Saturday, the 20-year-old Green conducted a basketball clinic and spent time with kids at the Caoyan Community Court and also handed some apparel and basketballs to the children.
Green, who plays for the Houston Rockets, also visited the famous Calle Crisologo in Vigan and witnessed a glimpse of history of her mother’s hometown for the first time.
This marks Green’s third visit to the country, the first time as an NBA player, as part of his promotion too as a global ambassador of sports brand adidas.
“It feels great coming back here to the Philippines,” said Green, who averaged 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists in the 2021-22 season as a rookie. “Everyone’s giving so much love and support to come back and give my love and support to them means the world to me. So, I’m just happy to be here.
“Even when I’m in Houston. I see Twitter, I see Instagram, with my fans DMing (direct messaging) me how they are supporting me, rocking my jersey, rocking my swag. I feel it everywhere I go,” added Green.
Since his first two visits to the country, Green said he received the same level and amount of energy from his supporters.
In 2018 and 2019, Green competed in the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals as a high schooler as part of the FilAm Sports USA team.
“Now it’s still been the same and I appreciate everyone for keeping that same love and energy,” added Green, who flew back to the USA last Sunday, Aug. 14.
