By Randolph B. Leongson
JALEN Green promises that this won't be the last time his Filipino fans will see him in action in our shores.
"Yes, I will be back. I will come back," said the top-ranked US high school player when asked if he would give the NBTC another go next year.
Green and the rest of FilAm Sports USA reached the quarterfinals for the second straight year, which is still the best finish for any international team, but fell to San Beda, 97-91, in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go NBTC League National Finals.
Part of the itch for Green, this year's Most Outstanding Player, is what he felt was an unfinished business for him as he wasn't able to have his rematch against eventual champion Nazareth School of National University.
Had the USA squad overcame the Red Cubs, that would have set them up in a collision course against the Bullpups in the semifinals.
NU sent FilAm Sports USA home, 98-92, in last year's quarterfinals in a game where Green set an NBTC record for points at 51.
"Of course, I need a rematch with them. I didn't get to play with them this year, but I played them last year," the 17-year-old phenom said.
That's why with the Bullpups hoisting the trophy once again, Green couldn't wait for FilAm Sports to get back in the country and have his revenge.
"It will be cool if we did," he said.
For NU's part, Carl Tamayo welcomes the prospect as he vowed to be ready when that matchup comes.
"We’re just gonna keep on training, working hard. If they come back, we’ll beat them. You know, we’re just gonna work hard, just good competition," he said with a smile.
"It’s always an honor to play against Jalen. It’s a privilege, being teammates with him in the All-Star Game and it’s an honor. I'm grateful to play with him."
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