Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 28) — It’s only a matter of time before a homegrown Filipino cager makes it to the NBA, according to the league’s deputy commissioner.
“It’s going to happen. Mark my words, it’s going to happen. There are too many Filipinos here who love the game of basketball, who play the game of basketball, who grow up playing the game of basketball,” Mark Tatum told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word.
“There’s a strong ecosystem and pathway to our junior NBA programs. The game is broadly and widely played in schools, to the college level, to the professional level,” he added.
Tatum said 25% of the current NBA pool are not from the US, signifying the league’s “changing” style which could indicate an opportunity for a Pinoy baller.
“I actually think the style of the NBA now, the game is changing, where it’s not necessarily that you have to be 7 feet or 6’10 [tall]. You now have players that are not as big but are very skilled players,” the deputy commissioner noted.
Non-US grown NBA players include Denver Nuggets’ 2022 MVP Nikola Jokic from Serbia, and Greek-Nigerian Giannis Antetokounmpo — the Milwaukee Bucks superstar and 2020 MVP.
Tatum also mentioned that the league saw talent in Kai Sotto, who joined the NBA rookie draft last year.
