The Philippines have quality basketball players.
That’s the point the “Overseas Filipino Hoopers” are trying to get across as they continue to navigate the hardwood outside our borders, away from the comfort and convenience of home.
And as the seasons go by and our guys get their own sense of comfort abroad, it’s more and more evident that oh yeah, the Philippines have quality basketball players.
In the first week of 2024, Matthew Wright scored his 1,000th point in Japan, exactly 365 days after Thirdy Ravena set the same milestone. In between the latest one in Wright and the first one in Thirdy, three others achieved the feat in Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, and Ray Parks Jr.
(Wright is the fastest among the PInoy imports in Japan to score 1,000 points)
“I think it’s just a testament to the talent the Philippines have,” Wright told
One Sports, as he’s made aware of that budding club in Japan.
But while the milestones are nice, solely looking at the personal records somewhat diminishes the big move guys like Matthew made in making the jump abroad.
“I can speak for everyone that none of us came in here trying to score 1,000 points or that was the main goal or anything like that,” he said.
“We just wanted to come and represent ourselves, our country, and try to be as effective and valuable to our teams,” Wright added.
(The Ravena brothers are the first to score 1,000 points in Japan, with Kiefer getting his in a win against Thirdy in 2023)
REPRESENT
There’s a lot of factors in making the jump abroad. Opportunities, both in the current time and for the future, probably are big selling points.
But by virtue of being a Filipino import in another land, that bears the responsibility of representing your own heritage.
That fact is not all lost in the minds of our Asian Quota imports.
“I’ll tell you that we don’t take it lightly,” Wright said.
The chance for representation is even magnified as Japan has introduced the B.League Asia Rising Star game for its annual All-Star festivities.
For the second year running, the B.League has assembled a pseudo Philippine national team, with Pinoy imports dominating the selection. For the 2024 version, 10 Filipinos suited up an an Asia All-Star.
(The Asia All-Stars featured 10 Pinoys in 2024. There were 8 in 2023)
“It’s a great honor to be a part of this,” Wright said.
“I’m very honored and flattered. Not only just to represent myself, my team, my family, but the bigger picture is to represent the Philippines and what the Philippines can offer in terms of basketball,” he added.
SUCCESS
Success can be a subjective thing, and that can be especially true in the context of Philippine basketball and its harsh standards.
Carl Tamayo is already a champion in Japan, with his Ryukyu Golden Kings capping their get-back season last year with the title.
Tamayo’s minutes are on the low side though, is that a success?
(Carl Tamayo joined Ryukyu mid-season last year and became part of the Golden Kings' title team)
Of the five players to score at least 1,000 points in Japan, only Ray Parks Jr. has made the playoffs, and his Nagoya Diamond Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game in the two times they made it there. Does that still count?
Ultimately, as naturally competitive people, our Pinoy imports want their success, even if they don’t necessarily say it outright. It’s a big reason why they play.
But in the context of being pioneers of the Asian Quota Player movement, success can be something that goes beyond wins and titles and personal milestones.
It can mean helping opening the doors for the next generation of Filipino hoopers.
(AJ Edu is the latest youngblood to join the Asian Quota Player movement)
It can mean making everyone realize that the Philippines have quality basketball players.
“I’m glad to be a part of something that showcases Filipino talent,” Kyoto Hannaryz Asian import Matthew Wright said.
“I’m positive that what we’re doing, what Ray Parks is doing, what Dwight Ramos is doing… will only help build Filipino basketball and give the Asian Quota [Players] more respect. And hopefully, it will continue to grow and there will be more players throughout the years and from other countries that can come and play.”
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