FIL-AM Jalen Green was tabbed second overall by Houston in last Friday’s NBA draft, making NBTC program director Eric Altamirano doubly proud.
“It was a true privilege having Jalen Green come play in the NBTC National Finals for two consecutive years,” Altamirano said.
“His commitment to come to the SM Mall of Asia Arena and play in Manila displayed his love for his Filipino roots and we’re honored to have him,” he added.
The 6-foot-6 wingman, whose mother is Bree Purganan, a Filipina nurse from Ilocos Sur, had a stellar stint for Ignite in the NBA G League last year where he averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 15 games for the pioneering select squad under coach Brian Shaw.
A member of the US teams that won the FIBA Under-17 and FIBA Under-19 World Cups in 2018 and 2019, respectively, Green saw action for FilAm Sports USA in the 2018 and 2019 NBTC National Finals.
The high-flying Green even set the record for most points in a match after dropping 51 points against eventual champion Nazareth School of National University in 2018.
Green led FilAm Sports USA to the Fantastic Eight the following year, where it fell to San Beda.
For his exploits, Green was named Tournament MVP.
Altamirano had nothing but praises for Green.
“I have seen Jalen up close and watched this young man electrify the crowd with his exceptional level of play but more than that, he endeared himself to so many people he interacted with,” he said.“A very humble person on and off the court, truly an inspiration to our young basketball players.”
Playmaker Cade Cunningham was selected first overall by Detroit, while big man Evan Mobley went No. 3 with Cleveland.
Green’s Ignite teammates Jonathan Kuminga (No. 7, Golden State) and Isaiah Todd (No. 31, Milwaukee) were also chosen in the draft.