In Asia, the oldest professional play-by-play basketball league is the Philippine Basketball Association.
There have been great Filipino basketball players that have showcased their talentsn the world stage. Players such as Allan Caidic or the Triggerman as he is known, used to light up other countries with the accuracy of his three point shot; there are also the likes of Johnny Abarrientos and Samboy Lim as well.
But with all the talent and the fact that Filipinos have been shooting hoops far longer than their Asian counterparts, why hasn't any Filipino player made it into the National Basketball Association?
Talent-wise, the typical Filipino player can mix it up with the best of them. They can shoot, dribble, rebound and defend. Players from foreign countries often comment on the toughness of the Philippine-made basketball players.
But still, none of made it to the NBA.
The general consensus is this: the typical Filipino player lacks the height and the training to make it to the big time.
Height is Might
At the average, the usual height of a center in the Philippines is 6'6”, that is a good 10 inches shorter than Chinese phenom Yao Ming.
Going from this, it means that the height of the forwards are also significantly smaller than those on the international level. The only position wherein the Filipino player can stand toe-to-toe with their foreign counterparts is at the point guard spot.
Grass roots
If the Philippines wants to be able to have an NBA caliber player, the training has to begin as early as possible.
Basketball training in the Philippines isn't as advanced as it is in other countries and neither are the facilities. Even the coaches perspective is still in old times as coaches usually teach the basics by position and not basketball as a whole.
There has to be a shift from mediocre to excellence starting at the youngest age possible in order for the Philippines to produce an NBA player.
Final Thoughts
If the Philippines has any shot at a Filipino player making it to the NBA, it is at the point guard spot. The mental toughness, skill and the playmaking abilities of Filipino point men are at par with any other country in the world, it is the training that is lacking.
With that, it is safe to say that we won't see a Filipino in the NBA any time soon.
