The Philippines’ basketball program has been on the rise in recent years, fueled by a mix of homegrown talent and Filipino-Americans making waves in the NBA. Now, the possibility of Jared McCain, the rookie guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, joining the national team adds another layer of excitement. McCain recently acknowledged his Filipino roots, sparking speculation about him potentially teaming up with stars like Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green. If McCain becomes eligible, the Philippines could field one of the most competitive lineups in international basketball, giving fans plenty of reasons to dream big.
Could Jared McCain Really Play For The Philippines?
Jared McCain is having a monster rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers, and people are starting to take notice. He’s averaging 23.7 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in seven games as a starter, putting him right at the top of the Rookie of the Year leaderboard. It’s no stretch to say he’s got a bright NBA future ahead—and maybe even an international one. But the big question is: for which country?
McCain already has some history with Team USA. He played for the U18 squad at the 2022 FIBA Americas Championship and made a strong impression as one of the top guards in his class. With the way he’s playing now, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in the mix for the senior Team USA roster by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Look at Anthony Edwards, who was drafted in 2020, went to the World Cup in 2023, and then played in the 2024 Paris Olympics. McCain could easily follow that path if he keeps this level of play up.
But let’s be real—Team USA is loaded with talent every year, and even great players sometimes don’t make the cut. That’s where his Filipino heritage comes into play. McCain recently revealed he’s “10 percent Filipino” during a livestream, and it’s got people buzzing about the possibility of him playing for the Philippines. To make it happen, though, he’d need to secure Filipino citizenship and meet FIBA’s eligibility rules.
If McCain were to suit up for the Philippines, it would be a huge deal. Imagine a lineup with McCain, Jordan Clarkson, and Jalen Green—three NBA-level players bringing serious firepower. It would give the Philippines one of the most stacked rosters they’ve ever had, making them a real threat on the international stage.
For now, though, McCain’s focus is on dominating the NBA, and Team USA is still a realistic option if his career keeps trending upward. But if he doesn’t find a spot on that squad, exploring his Filipino roots could be an exciting alternative. Either way, it’s clear McCain has the skills to shine on the global stage, no matter which jersey he ends up wearing.
The Potential Lineup
A potential lineup of Jared McCain, Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green, and Kai Sotto could transform the Philippines into a powerhouse on the international stage. Combining McCain’s scoring and playmaking, Clarkson’s experience, Green’s athleticism, and Sotto’s size, this roster offers the perfect mix of talent and versatility.
Jared McCain is the exciting newcomer in the mix. The 76ers rookie is turning heads in his first NBA season. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor and set up his teammates makes him an ideal fit for this lineup. McCain could be the primary playmaker, creating opportunities for his teammates while also delivering clutch buckets when needed.
Jordan Clarkson brings the veteran leadership and scoring punch. Currently averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, Clarkson’s experience in the NBA and with the Philippine national team makes him the steady hand that any successful lineup needs. His versatility as both a scorer and a facilitator would allow him to complement McCain’s youthful energy perfectly.
Jalen Green adds the explosiveness. Averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, Green is one of the most dynamic young players in the NBA. His ability to slash to the basket, hit tough shots, and defend multiple positions makes him a perfect addition to this group. Green’s scoring would stretch defenses, opening up the floor for his teammates to thrive.
Kai Sotto rounds out the lineup with size and presence in the paint. Standing at 7’3″, Sotto is currently playing for the Koshigaya Alphas in Japan’s B1 League, where he’s averaging 12.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this season. His ability to protect the rim and dominate the boards would give the Philippines a much-needed interior presence, making this lineup balanced on both ends of the floor.
Together, these four players could give the Philippines an unprecedented edge in international competition. McCain, Clarkson, and Green would provide elite perimeter scoring, while Sotto would anchor the defense and clean up inside. If this lineup ever takes the floor, it wouldn’t just be a dream for Filipino basketball fans—it could be a nightmare for their opponents. And even as a longshot, Kyle Kuzma could be potentially in the mix to join the international stage with them.
A Real Chance For A Medal?
Winning a medal in international basketball isn’t easy—especially when you’ve got Team USA running the show. The Americans have been untouchable lately, grabbing their fifth straight gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a 98-87 win over France in the final. They’re stacked every year, so just getting past them feels like an impossible task.
But it’s not just Team USA that makes things tough. Serbia, with Nikola Jokic leading the charge, almost pulled off the upset of the century in the semifinals. They were up by 17 at one point before the Americans clawed their way back to a 95-91 win. Serbia’s depth and Jokic’s brilliance make them one of the scariest teams out there.
Then there’s France, who gave the U.S. a real fight in the final. Victor Wembanyama had an insane Olympic debut, putting up 26 points in the championship game and showing he’s already one of the best players in the world. France has always been tough, but with Wemby, they’re officially terrifying.
And don’t forget about Slovenia. Luka Doncic continues to carry his team like a one-man army, proving that sometimes one superstar can be enough to make you competitive. Australia is always in the mix too, with their combination of gritty veterans and NBA talent keeping them in every game.
So where does that leave the Philippines? Realistically, it’s a long shot. But if they can put together a lineup with Jared McCain, Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green, and Kai Sotto, who knows? They’d have the scoring, athleticism, and size to at least make some noise.
Could they medal? Probably not against teams like the U.S. or France. But if everything clicks, and they catch a few breaks, they could surprise a lot of people. Basketball is a funny game, and underdogs have shocked the world before. Why not the Philippines next?
