JOINING FORCES. Jalen Green (right) and Kai Sotto pose for a photo with Bounty Agro Ventures president Ronald Mascarinas during the ceremonial toss of the 2019 NBTC National Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Green and Sotto will team up in a select team formed by the NBA G-League as part of its professional pathway program, but they could also be teammates with Gilas Pilipinas Men for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. (Photo courtesy of Chooks-To-Go)
MANILA – Filipino-American rising star Jalen Green did not rule out a potential stint with Gilas Pilipinas Men in the future.
Asked by reporters in an online press conference on Thursday, Green said it is still possible that he can shore up the wing rotation of the national team for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
"It could be a possibility," the six-foot-five guard said.
If he gets cleared, there is a possibility that Green will join forces with teen sensation Kai Sotto for Gilas Men in the next FIBA World Cup that the Philippines will co-host with Japan and Indonesia.
Green and Sotto could suit up in a select team formed by the NBA G-League as part of its professional pathway program.
The dilemma, however, is Green's eligibility.
Green already played for the United States in FIBA-sanctioned youth tournaments.
Green led Team USA to the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup title, where he won the Most Valuable Player award, and also made significant contributions for the team's title run in last year's FIBA U19 World Cup.
"I have already played for the USA. I've won gold medals with the USA, so I'm not sure [if I am still eligible to play for Gilas Men]," he said.
The 18-year-old Green has already attained a Philippine passport.
FIBA eligibility rules state that a player of mixed descent can play for a national team of his choice provided that he already got a passport from where he wants to represent before his 16th birthday.
On whether he will be eligible for Gilas Men, Green just said, "Only time will tell." (PNA)
