From backyard courts to basketball’s biggest stage, Filipino-American players have been steadily carving their place in basketball history.
What began with Raymond Townsend’s trailblazing debut in 1978 as an NBA player with Filipino heritage has now grown into a club that includes Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green, Jared McCain, and the newest torchbearer, Dylan Harper.
[ALSO READ: Dylan Harper proud to carry Filipino heritage next to Clarkson, Green, McCain in modern NBA]
Here’s a closer look at five Filipino-Americans who’ve turned basketball dreams into something far greater: a shared sense of belonging on the world’s grandest court.
Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)
Harper became the latest player with Filipino heritage to make it to the NBA, as the San Antonio Spurs selected the Rutgers standout to become the no. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
[ALSO READ: Spurs bolster backcourt with selection of Fil-Am Dylan Harper as second pick in 2025 NBA Draft]
The 6-foot-6 guard is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, who played key roles in the Chicago Bulls’ second three-peat from 1996 to 1998 and the early 2000s Los Angeles Lakers dynasty.
Dylan marks the Spurs’ third straight lottery pick, following back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
Harper’s Filipino roots come from his mother, Maria, who played Division I basketball at the University of New Orleans from 1993 to 1996. After her playing days, she began a nearly 30-year coaching career, including stops in Chicago and New Jersey. She hails from Bataan.
[ALSO READ: No. 2 pick Dylan Harper honors Filipina mom after going to Spurs in 2025 NBA Draft]
Now, the younger Harper aims to replicate his father’s success — this time with a franchise that owns five NBA titles, the fifth most in league history.
Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers)
- NBA career averages: 15.3 PTS | 2.6 REB | 2.3 AST
A video of Jared McCain acknowledging his Filipino roots was all it took to become viral.
In a candid moment on social media, the Philadelphia 76ers rookie gave a shoutout to his heritage.
“Shout out to my Asian community,” McCain said. “I am a Filipino — I mean, only like 10 percent, but still.”
[ALSO READ: Sixers rookie Jared McCain confirms Filipino blood, gives shoutout to Asian community]
The 20-year-old guard played one season at Duke before being selected 16th overall by the Sixers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
He quickly emerged as a bright spot in Philadelphia’s rotation, averaging 15.3 points through 23 games before suffering a season-ending torn meniscus in mid-December.
McCain did not specify whether his Filipino lineage comes from his father’s or mother’s side, but his acknowledgment places him among the growing list of Filipino-American players making an impact around the Association.
[ALSO READ: Nail(ed) it: Jared McCain, Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green and the NBA nail paint evolution]
Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns)
- NBA career averages: 20.1 PTS | 4.3 REB | 3.4 AST
Green made history by becoming the first player drafted directly out of the NBA G League Ignite program, going second overall to the Houston Rockets in the 2021 Draft.
Born to a Filipina mother, he quickly emerged as one of the league’s most must-see leapers. He even played briefly with Gilas Pilipinas big man Kai Sotto during their time with the Ignite team.
Off the court, Green has remained vocal and visible about his heritage.
He’s worn Filipino-inspired player-exclusive sneakers and custom insoles designed by Filipino artists — including a pair that drew attention for also being worn by Gilas standout and Korean Basketball League import Kevin Quiambao.
[ALSO READ: Feature Jalen Green nods to Philippine roots, Kevin Quiambao on Rockets' Filipino Heritage Night]
In 307 career games, the 23-year-old averaged 19.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over three seasons with the Houston Rockets. Green now enters a new chapter in Phoenix, joining the Suns as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston.
[ALSO READ: Kevin Durant headed to Houston Rockets in blockbuster trade — report]
Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz)
- NBA career averages: 16.0 PTS | 3.4 REB | 2.5 AST
Arguably the most recognizable Filipino-American in the NBA today, Jordan Clarkson has become the face of Filipino heritage on basketball’s biggest stage. His grandmother, Marcelina Tullao Kingsolver, hails from Bacolor, Pampanga.
Drafted 46th overall by the Washington Wizards in 2014, Jordan Clarkson was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent his first four NBA seasons.
In February 2018, Clarkson was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a deal that included Isaiah Thomas and a first-round pick. He played a key role off the bench in Cleveland’s run to the 2018 NBA Finals, where the Cavs fell to the Golden State Warriors.
A year later, Clarkson was moved to the Utah Jazz, where he flourished as one of the league’s most dynamic sixth men.
In the 2020–21 season, he captured the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, becoming the first Jazz player to earn the honor. Clarkson has averaged 17.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 342 games with the Jazz and remains a key contributor in Utah.
He is the only player on the list to have suited up for Gilas Pilipinas, most notably during the 2023 FIBA World Cup held in Manila.
[ALSO READ: Jordan Clarkson commits to don Gilas Pilipinas jersey in FIBA World Cup]
In front of a home crowd, Clarkson delivered a masterclass, erupting for 34 points in a win over China — a breakthrough victory that ended the country’s World Cup drought dating back to 2014.
Raymond Townsend (Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors)
- NBA career averages: 4.8 PTS | 1.4 AST | 1.0 REB
The first Filipino-American to ever play in the NBA — and only the second player of Asian descent — Townsend paved the way for future generations. His Filipino roots come from his mother, Virginia Marella of Balayan, Batangas.
A standout at UCLA, he helped the Bruins win the 1975 NCAA title before being selected in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors.
Townsend played three seasons in the league with the Warriors and Indiana Pacers, but his impact continues off the court.
He was instrumental in helping conceptualize “Filipino Heritage Night,” a now-regular NBA celebration of Filipino culture. Townsend remains a proud and visible figure in the Bay Area’s thriving basketball community, especially during the Warriors’ twice-yearly Filipino-themed nights honoring a growing fanbase and a rich cultural presence.
That's five NBA players who acknowledged their Filipino heritage, a growing effect of Philippine diaspora in the world. Question is, will there be a chance for a full-blooded Filipino to suit up in the league?
