Beyond Borders: A growing list of NBA players with Filipino heritage

The global impact of basketball continues to expand, and nowhere is this more evident than in the increasing presence of players with Filipino heritage in the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

From trailblazers to rising stars, these athletes are not only showcasing their immense talent but also proudly representing their roots on the world’s biggest basketball stage.

The lineage of Filipino representation in the NBA dates back to Raymond Townsend, who made his debut in 1978. Since then, the connection between the Philippines and the NBA has steadily strengthened, culminating in a significant wave of current and future talent.

Here’s a look at some of the notable NBA players with Filipino heritage:

Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz)

Arguably the most recognizable Filipino-American in the NBA today, Jordan Clarkson has become a beacon of pride for Filipinos worldwide. His grandmother, Marcelina Tullao Kingsolver, hails from Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines. 

Drafted in 2014, Clarkson has carved out a successful career, notably winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021. Beyond his NBA achievements, Clarkson has embraced his heritage by playing for the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, most notably during the 2023 FIBA World Cup hosted in Manila, where he delivered electrifying performances.

Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns)

A dynamic and high-flying guard, Jalen Green’s Filipino roots come from his mother, Bree Purganan, who traces her family to Ilocos Sur. Selected as the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets (now with the Phoenix Suns as part of a blockbuster trade) 

Green has quickly become a prominent figure in the league. He often acknowledges his heritage, wearing Filipino-inspired player-exclusive sneakers and actively engaging with the Filipino community.

Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)

The newest torchbearer of Filipino pride in the NBA, Dylan Harper was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft. Harper’s Filipino heritage comes from his mother, Maria, who was born in the Philippines and played Division I basketball. 

Dylan has openly expressed his pride in representing his mother’s roots, dedicating his draft success to his family and the Filipino community. He joins a promising young Spurs squad, and his future in the league looks incredibly bright.

Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers)

A recent addition to the league, Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers also carries Filipino heritage. McCain gained viral attention for enthusiastically acknowledging his Filipino roots, stating, “Shout out to my Asian community. I am a Filipino — I mean, only like 10 percent, but still.” His presence further expands the growing list of players connecting to their Filipino ancestry.

Filipino roots. Global game

Dylan Harper joins some of a few players with Filipino heritage in NBA history! pic.twitter.com/kHcmCPy1vj

— ESPN (@espn) June 26, 2025

These players, along with pioneers like Raymond Townsend, are more than just athletes; they are cultural ambassadors, bridging continents and inspiring a new generation of Filipino basketball enthusiasts. 

Their success in the NBA serves as a powerful testament to the global reach of the sport and the vibrant impact of Filipino heritage on the international stage. As more players with diverse backgrounds enter the league, the story of Filipino representation in the NBA continues to be written, filled with talent, pride, and unwavering passion for the game.

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