Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has revealed that he would be open to representing the Philippines national basketball team if he is not selected for Team USA. In a recent interview, Kuzma discussed his Filipino heritage and his potential interest in playing for the Gilas Pilipinas.
The news was reported on Twitter, where they shared a quote from Kuzma:
“If I don’t make the USA team, I’d be interested in playing for the Philippines.”
Kyle Kuzma says he would be interested in playing for the Philippines national team if not selected for Team USA.
(via All-Star Magazine) pic.twitter.com/SXNsjpdTyJ
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 10, 2024
Kuzma’s comments have generated excitement and buzz among Filipino basketball fans.
Kyle Kuzma’s NBA Journey
Kyle Kuzma, currently playing for the Washington Wizards, has had a notable career in the NBA. Drafted 27th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in 2017 and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Kyle Kuzma quickly made a name for himself with his scoring ability and versatility. He played a crucial role in the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship run before being traded to the Wizards in 2021.
Kyle Kuzma’s mother is Filipino, and he has strong ties to the Philippines. He has visited the country several times and has expressed his pride in his Filipino heritage. Kuzma’s potential decision to play for the Philippines national team would be a significant boost for the program. His NBA experience and talent could help the Gilas Pilipinas compete at a higher level on the international stage.
Why the Philippines?
Kuzma’s interest in playing for the Philippines national team is not entirely surprising. The Philippines has a rich basketball culture and a passionate fan base. Additionally, Kyle Kuzma has Filipino heritage through his mother, which makes him eligible to represent the country in international competitions. His potential inclusion in the team would undoubtedly boost the Philippines’ chances in tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics.
