By Hocine LOUKKAF on 4/16/2018

From its introduction by American colonizers in the late 19th century to the selection as organizers of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Filipinos have developed a love for the game which has never stopped growing. Yet, none of them, mostly due to the limited height of local players, has had this NBA success which could have propelled the Gilas Army (nickname of the National team, gilas meaning pride or energy in tagalog language) to international recognition. After counting on naturalization to improve results, the rise of domestic and international Filipino prospects may change the whole story. Among numerous foreign Filipinos who appeared as possible recruits, Jordan Clarkson may be the most famous and pioneer. The Cavs combo will be 31 in 2023 and a surefire captain to lead his younger teammates. So let’s take a look at the new generation starting five knocking at the door.

-Remy Martin, 5-11, PG, Arizona State, freshman

The diminutive PG has always been under the spotlights as DeAndre Ayton’s teammate in Sierra Canyon high school and now playing for Arizona State in the  PAC 12. Born to a Filipina mother, Martin is a defensive minded leader who could be Gilas’ long term solution at the PG spot. Martin still has three years of eligibility left. NBA will be a difficult goal to reach but he could at least have a successful career in Europe.

-Jalen Green, 6-5, SG, San Joaquin High (Fresno), sophomore

The jewel of the crop. Let’s be honest, it will be very hard to convince Green to play for Philippines. The Cali product is plain and simple the best sophomore in the US, a 6-5 uber athletic guard who plays like a vet, likes to defend and has an improving jump shot. He’s basically recruited by every NCAA school and already has the tools to envision NBA success. He went to Philippines recently to train and play against the best players his age, a first interaction with Filipino basketball.

-Kobe Paras, 6-7, SF, 1997 born

After a year in Creighton and a transfer to California State Northridge, Paras decided to turn pro. The son of former Filipino basketball star and now actor Benjie Paras, Kobe is an athletic swingman who has yet to prove what he could do on the senior level. He had very few playing time his freshman year and it’s going to be almost impossible for him to sign a NBA contract this summer. The question is which way will he go? Will he come back home to the weak PBA or try to launch his career in a more solid championship in Europe? That will determine his improvement in the years to come.

-AJ Edu, 6-10, PF, Toledo, freshman to be

You won’t find a more international resume than Edu’s one. The son of a Filipina and a Nigerian math and physics professor, Edu was born in Cyprus. He lately played in Wales and England where he was scouted and ended up signing with NCAA d1 Toledo. Edu has already expressed his will to play for the Philippines despite England’s effort to recruit him. On the court, Edu is an athletic PF who can shoot and lead the break, taking Antetokounmpo as the example to follow. He will have to adapt to US basketball but has a chance to develop as a very good college player within two years.

-Kai Sotto, 7-1, C, 2002 born

As much as Green could be the Filipino jewel on the wings, Sotto will probably be the center of the future for the Gilas Army. Of course, he has to gain weight and toughness. Yet, at 7-1 (and projecting at 7-5), with pretty good mobility and hands for someone his age, Sotto may be a force when he will become draft eligible. He may interest schools in the US as much as European powerhouses. Let’s wait and see where he will play next season.

-Sixth man, Ron Harper Jr, G/SF, 6-6, Rutgers, freshman to be

Well, no need to tell you that he is former Chicago Bulls’ star son. A smooth swingman, Harper Jr is a very good shooter who has committed to play for Rutgers. Like the other prospects, his mother is Filipina and he has already expressed his will to play for the Philippines. It’s too early to know what kind of player he will be in the tough Big 10 but he sure is a recruit to watch for the future.

(Scroll below comment section on your mobile or tablet for complete mock draft and players profiles)