NBA Stars Praise the Philippines’ Passion for Basketball
During the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, several NBA players shared their admiration for the Philippines, highlighting the nation’s deep-rooted passion for basketball.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ star Anthony Edwards reflected on his recent visit to the Philippines, expressing surprise at the country’s fervent basketball culture. He remarked, “Yeah, for sure… the Philippines was dope. It was super fun. The love for basketball there, I was super shocked… I knew it went far, but I didn’t know it go that far. Like, that was an 18-hour flight.” Edwards’ experience underscores the Philippines’ status as a basketball hotspot, where the sport is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm.
Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro spoke about head coach Erik Spoelstra’s connection to his Filipino heritage. The 3-point Shootout champion noted, “He definitely represents the Philippines through his everyday actions. He loves it. I’ve never been there but I’d love to visit one time.” Spoelstra, whose mother, Elisa Celino, hails from San Pablo, Laguna, has consistently expressed pride in his Filipino roots. He has conducted numerous basketball clinics in the Philippines, aiming to nurture young talent and promote the sport’s growth in the country.
Rookie Jared McCain shared his connection to the Philippines, stating, “I’m probably like 2% Filipino. I don’t know if I can claim that as Filipino. But I thought it was more. My mom’s dad is adopted and I thought it was more but if they allow me to claim it, I will claim that. It’s definitely cool just to be part of a community.” He added, “I haven’t got to travel really anywhere, so definitely want to get there.” McCain’s acknowledgment of his heritage has endeared him to Filipino fans, reflecting the community’s inclusivity and pride in shared roots.
Dallas Mavericks’ guard Kyrie Irving expressed enthusiasm about visiting the Philippines, stating, “I can’t wait to get to the Philippines, too, man, it’s a lot of love out there.” Irving’s signature shoes with Anta have gained significant popularity among Filipino basketball enthusiasts, further strengthening his connection to the local basketball scene.
Veteran point guard Chris Paul reminisced about his experience during the 2011 NBA lockout, saying, “I got a chance to go to the Philippines during the lockout in 2011… a group of us went over to play and I think the game is just going to continue to grow.” Paul’s visit, along with other NBA stars, played a pivotal role in boosting the sport’s profile in the Philippines, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Darius Garland expressed interest in visiting the Philippines, influenced by his former teammate Jordan Clarkson. Garland shared, “I would definitely love to go to the Philippines. Jordan Clarkson’s like my big brother so he always tells me about the culture over there, how they love him, and the food. I saw the mural they did of him a couple of years ago which was super cool so I’d love to go over there and just visit, for sure.” Clarkson, a Filipino-American, has become a beloved figure in the Philippines, with murals and fan art celebrating his contributions to basketball and the national team, Gilas.
These testimonials from NBA players highlight the Philippines’ profound impact on the global basketball community, showcasing the nation’s unwavering passion and the strong cultural connections forged through the sport.
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