Filipino American drafted at No. 2 nabbed by Houston Rockets

NBA

No. 2 draft pick Jaylen Green will play for the Houston Rockets.

Overnight, the number of Filipino American players in the NBA doubled -- to two.

Jalen Green, drafted No. 2 by the Houston Rockets Thursday in the NBA's draft in the first round, he joins Jordan Clarkson as the only Filipino American players in the league. The 6 feet, 6 in. guard will join the Rocket's 21-year old veteran Kevin Porter to form one of the youngest backcourts in the league.

“I love the Philippines. They show love and support. I’m just happy to get to represent them. I’m happy that I have family out there and I’m tied into the Philippines so I’m excited, and I hope they’re excited,too,” said Green, whose mother is from the Philippine province Ilocos Sur.

Green, who turned 19-years old on Feb. 9, was the first player to sign with NBA G League Ignite, a team dedicated to the development and mentorship of top young prospects in preparation for the NBA Draft. In 15 G League games last season, he averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.53 steals, and 2.1 3-pointers made. Green tallied 30 points, 7 assists, 5 boards, and 3 steals in the Ignite’s lone playoff game vs. Raptors 905.

As a senior at California’s Prolific Prep in 2019-20, Green averaged 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He was ranked as the No. 1 high school prospect in the Class of 2020 by ESPN and was a McDonald’s All-American.

Green won gold medals with USA Basketball at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup, and 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.Out of high school, 

Althugh highly recruited by colleges while he was in high school, he opted to forego college and join the G-League developmental program. He was one of the first elite prospects to take advantage of the league’s new “professional pathway” program, which he believes offered superior NBA preparation relative to college basketball.

NBA scouts believe he has "significant potential as a scorer," able to hit baskets at all three levels with a quick first-step and able to create his own shot. His defensive abilities needs work, however.