Basketball

The possibility of another NBA player suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas has sparked excitement among Filipino basketball fans. Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain recently acknowledged his Filipino lineage and expressed interest in representing the Philippine national team if given the opportunity.

As the basketball-loving nation continues to seek global recognition, McCain’s openness to donning the Gilas Pilipinas jersey adds another layer of anticipation. Could he follow the footsteps of NBA stars like Jordan Clarkson in boosting the Philippines’ international basketball presence?

EXCLUSIVE: Jared McCain as naturalized Gilas player? Sixers rookie is more than open to it “Yeah if I’m allowed to, that’ll be cool.” @ABSCBNNews @TFCNewsNow #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/yaoa3V49YI

— Champ de Lunas (@champdelunas) February 15, 2025

Jared McCain’s Filipino Heritage

Jared McCain, born on February 20, 2004, in Sacramento, California, has a diverse racial background. While primarily of African-American and Caucasian descent, McCain recently revealed that Jared McCain has Filipino ancestry, albeit in small percentages.

In a viral locker room video posted on Reddit, McCain humorously mentioned:

"Shout out to my Asian community. [I'm] probably like 10% Filipino, but that counts."

Later, during an interview with ABS-CBN News, he clarified:

"So my mom’s dad was adopted, and I don’t know... it might be less than 10%—probably 1% or 2%—but I’m claiming it if my Filipino community lets me claim it."

Despite the uncertainty of his exact Filipino percentage, McCain’s recognition of his Filipino roots has created buzz among basketball fans eager to see him represent the Philippines on the international stage.

Jared McCain’s Rising NBA Career

Before we discuss his potential role with Gilas Pilipinas, let’s look at his NBA journey so far.

• College Career: McCain played for Duke University, where he gained recognition for his scoring ability, defensive hustle, and strong leadership.
• NBA Draft: He was selected 16th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
• Rookie Season Stats: McCain has impressed in his debut season, averaging 16.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
• All-Star Recognition: His strong performances earned him a spot in the NBA Rising Stars Game during the All-Star Weekend, though a meniscus tear prevented him from playing.

With his dynamic playstyle, McCain has already become a promising young star in the NBA.

Is Jared McCain Eligible to Play for Gilas Pilipinas?

McCain’s enthusiasm about playing for Gilas is clear, but is he eligible under FIBA rules?

1. Filipino Citizenship Requirement

• FIBA requires a player to have obtained Filipino citizenship before the age of 16 to qualify as a local player.
• Since McCain has not confirmed having Filipino citizenship, he would likely need to play as a naturalized player, similar to how Jordan Clarkson represents the Philippines.

2. Gilas’ Current Naturalized Player Pool

• The Philippines already has naturalized players like Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame.
• Since only one naturalized player can play per tournament, McCain’s inclusion would require strategic planning by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Despite these potential roadblocks, his interest in representing the Philippines is an encouraging sign.

How McCain Could Impact Gilas Pilipinas

If Jared McCain joins Gilas Pilipinas, his presence could significantly boost the team’s performance.

1. Scoring Ability

• McCain’s scoring touch would be a valuable asset for Gilas, especially with his ability to shoot from deep and create offense.

2. NBA-Level Experience

• Competing at the highest level of basketball gives McCain the skills and composure needed for international competition.
• His exposure to NBA-caliber coaching and training would benefit Gilas’ roster.

3. Leadership and Energy

• McCain is known for his high-energy playstyle, which could ignite the team’s offense and defensive intensity.

If McCain officially joins Gilas, he could play a key role in future FIBA tournaments and the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

Jared McCain’s Interest in Visiting the Philippines

Beyond basketball, McCain has also expressed a desire to visit the Philippines and connect with its culture.

"Obviously, I want to visit there and see the good vibes."

This further strengthens his bond with Filipino fans, making him an exciting figure in the country’s basketball scene.

Read more of our basketball blogs.

What’s Next? Will McCain Suit Up for Gilas?

While no official decision has been made, Jared McCain’s openness to playing for Gilas Pilipinas is a promising development.

• His eligibility status needs to be clarified.
• The SBP would need to determine if he fits into their naturalization plans.
• McCain himself would need to commit to representing the Philippines in international tournaments.

Regardless of the outcome, his recognition of his Filipino heritage has already endeared him to basketball fans in the Philippines.

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Jared McCain’s willingness to play for Gilas Pilipinas is an exciting prospect that has reignited discussions about the future of Philippine basketball.

While hurdles remain regarding eligibility and FIBA regulations, his NBA experience, scoring ability, and leadership make him a valuable potential addition.

Whether or not McCain officially joins Gilas, his embrace of his Filipino roots and enthusiasm for the Philippines make him an inspiring figure for fans worldwide.

Will we see McCain in a Gilas jersey soon? Only time will tell.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How is Jared McCain connected to the Philippines?

Jared McCain revealed that he has Filipino ancestry through his maternal grandfather, who was adopted. Though unsure of the exact percentage, he proudly claims his Filipino roots.

2. Can Jared McCain play for Gilas Pilipinas?

McCain would need to naturalize to be eligible for Gilas, as he does not currently hold Filipino citizenship.

3. What position does Jared McCain play?

McCain is a shooting guard known for his scoring, playmaking, and energy on both ends of the floor.

4. Has Jared McCain visited the Philippines?

Not yet, but he has expressed interest in visiting and experiencing the country’s culture and basketball scene.

5. How has McCain performed in the NBA?

In his rookie season, McCain has averaged 16.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, making him a strong contender for NBA Rookie of the Year.

6. Could McCain join Gilas Pilipinas for the 2027 FIBA World Cup?

If he undergoes naturalization, he could potentially join Gilas Pilipinas for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, depending on the team’s roster needs.