Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on after a game against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center on February 02, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP
(UPDATED) Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain said he is willing to play for Gilas Pilipinas if he is allowed to do so.
In a short chat with ABS-CBN News’ Champ de Lunas during McCain’s visit to the NBA All Star Weekend in San Francisco, the 76er bared his thoughts about suiting up for the nationals as a naturalized player.
“Yeah if I’m allowed to, that’ll be cool,” he said.
McCain, one of Philadelphia’s rising stars, earlier disclosed his Filipino lineage.
The No. 16 pick revealed this in a locker room video published on Reddit.
"Shout out to my Asian community. [I'm] Probably like 10% Filipino, but that counts," McCain said.
McCain did well this season and became among the rookies selected to compete in the Rising Stars game for All-Star weekend.
But a meniscus tear prevented him from playing. This, however, did not stop him from making the trip to San Fransisco.
In a short interview with ABS-CBN News, McCain clarified how he traces his Filipino roots:
”So my mom’s dad who’s adopted — and so I don’t know it might be less than 10% — but Imma claim it if my Filipino community let’s me claim it. It might be 2% I mean probably 1% but I’m pretty sure I have some cousins they’re Filipino.” said the Sacramento, CA born guard.
McCain is also aware of the Gilas jersey edits on social media and raved about it, “Yeah it’s fire! It’s cool, It's cool to see it.”
He also said he wants to see the Philippines in the future, “Obviously I want to visit there and see the good vibes.”
With him confirming his ties to the Philippines, the possibility of him playing for Gilas in the future has piqued the curiosity of Gilas fans and his answer to making it a reality can give Filipinos a glimmer of hope of another NBA player putting the national colors on.