Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. In the Philippines, it’s the most popular sport and a favorite among the Chinese, being very much integrated into their culture.
The sport encourages physical activity, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. It’s no surprise that a number of Chinoys have decided to play the sport professionally.
Here are a few Chinoy athletes that are currently on the PBA roster:
James Yap
James Yap. Photo courtesy of James Yap.
This man is one of the most well-known players on our list. He stands at 6’3 and plays shooting guard, but easily switches to small forward. His career started in 2004 when he was drafted by the Star Hotshots after playing for UE in college. He was snapped up by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in 2016.
Aside from being a prized player in the PBA, James is a many-time member of the RP Basketball Team and was even part of the team that brought home the gold from the 2003 SEA Games. This PBA veteran shows no signs of slowing down and will be sure to be shooting hoops for a while.
Jeff Chan
Jeff Chan. Photo courtesy of Jeff Chan.
The Bacolod native was recruited into the PBA in 2008. Jeff has been part of four different teams since the start of his career, starting at the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, then the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, the Pheonix Fuel Masters, and is currently playing for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Standing at 6’2, he plays as a shooting guard/small forward. The FEU graduate has been compared to Allan Caidic not only because they share the same name, but for the similarity in their playing styles.
Paul Lee
Paul Lee. Photo courtesy of Paul Lee.
This 6′ point guard was discovered in high school while playing at their intramurals. He was recruited by UE in 2007 and received the UAAP Most Improved Player award in 2009. He started his career with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, but since 2016, he was traded to the Star Hotshots for James Yap which led to shocking reactions from basketball fans.
Justin Chua
Justin Chua. Photo courtesy of Justin Chua.
The former star player of Chiang Kai Shek College played for the Ateneo de Manila University. He was then drafted by the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in 2013. He was almost immediately traded to GlobalPort Batang Pier, and then to San Miguel Beer. After his rookie scale contract expired in 2015, he signed with the Mercalco Bolts. He played for TNT KaTropa for a time, but is now shooting hoops for the Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters.
Jeron Teng
Jeron Teng. Photo courtesy of Jeron Teng.
A basketball prodigy, for sure. His famous high school career consists of multiple high school records for the Xavier Golden Stallions. Jeron then played for the DLSU Green Archers with great success. He won a couple of UAAP championships as the team captain and has the rare distinction of simultaneously winning two UAAP finals MVP awards.
Teng suited up for the AMA University Titans in the PBA D-League drafts, which he beat when he signed with the FilOil Flying V Thunder. He has since been part of the national team and represented the Philippines internationally. He currently plays for the Alaska Aces.
Adrian Wong
Adrian Wong. Photo courtesy of Adrian Wong.
Currently in the very early stages of his PBA career, this Ateneo alumnus may be new to professional basketball, but he definitely doesn’t play like it. He is playing for Rain or Shines team, and we look forward to seeing his basketball career bloom!
