Jaquez, McCain Reflect on Filipino Connections, Interested to Visit
Photo Sources: NBA
During the NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars media availability at San Francisco’s Chase Center on Friday, February 14, 2025, young talents Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat and Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers shared their thoughts on their connections to the Philippines.
When asked if his head coach, Erik Spoelstra, had discussed the Philippines with him, Jaquez responded, “He hasn’t told me much about it but I’ve heard a lot about the Philippines. It’s a beautiful country and I would love to go visit.”
Spoelstra, the Miami Heat’s veteran head coach, is notably the first Asian American head coach in the NBA and the first Asian American head coach to win an NBA title. His mother, Elisa Celino, hails from San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines, instilling in him a deep connection to his Filipino heritage. Spoelstra has expressed pride in his roots, stating, “I have a great deal of pride in my heritage and I’m close with my family over here.”
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Jared McCain, reflecting on his own heritage, remarked, “I’m probably 2% Filipino. I don’t know if I can claim that as Filipino. I thought it was more. My dad is adopted. I thought it was more, but if they allow me to claim it, I will claim that. It’s definitely cool just to be a part of a community.”
He also expressed a desire to visit the Philippines, saying, “Of course. I haven’t gotten to travel really anywhere, so definitely want to get there.”
The Rising Stars Challenge, held on Friday at the Chase Center, featured four teams composed of rookies, sophomores, and G-League players. The event showcased the NBA’s emerging talents, with each team coached by former NBA legends and Warriors players Mitch Richmond, Tim Hardaway Sr., Chris Mullin, and Jeremy Lin.
Jaquez and McCain’s reflections highlight the global nature of basketball and the personal connections players feel to diverse cultures. Their comments underscore the NBA’s expanding international influence and the shared appreciation for the sport across different backgrounds.
