‘Everyone gives so much love’: Fil-Am NBA player Jalen Green reconnects with Filipino roots in Manila
Filipino American NBA player Jalen Green reconnected with his Filipino roots for his “JG4 Manila Tour” with sports brand Adidas Philippines.
The Houston Rockets guard arrived in Manila on Wednesday for a series of events by Adidas that center around reconnecting him with his Filipino heritage and fans.
The JG4 Manila Tour is reportedly Green’s first event as an Adidas Global Ambassador and a full-fledged NBA player. He awaits “the authentic Manila experience through Philippine basketball and street culture.”
“It is with great pride and excitement that Adidas Philippines welcomes another NBA athlete — and most importantly one with Filipino roots — to the country,” brand manager Jen Dacasin reportedly said. “We wanted to make sure that we give Jalen this opportunity to see and experience a different and more authentic side of the Philippines.”
Green’s return to Manila marks his third visit to the country. He played against Filipino basketball player Kai Sotto in the National Basketball Training Center in 2018 and 2019.
“Coming to the Philippines, everyone gives so much love and support. To come back [here] and give my love and support, it means the world to me,” Green reportedly said during a press conference at the Adidas Brand Center. “Even when I’m in Houston, I see Twitter and Instagram, with my fans DMing me, telling me how they’re here supporting me, rocking my jersey, rocking my swag. I feel the love.”
In a “Fast Talk” segment at a press conference on Thursday, the 20-year-old basketball player said his greatest motivation is his mother Bree Purganan, a native of Ilocos Sur.
“Just because she works so hard,” Green said. “She takes care of me and my little sister.”
Green, the third Filipino player to play in the NBA, completed a stellar rookie season with per-game averages of 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 43% shooting.
Featured Image via @adidasph
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