The Philippines’ hooping excellence continues to flourish overseas, evidenced by the inclusion of Filipino imports in the B.League’s Asia Rising Star Game for its Okinawa Arena All-Star Weekend on January 13-14, 2023. From the nation’s overflowing pool of talent, 10 of the 17 “Asia All-Stars” members represent the motherland for the league’s “Rising Stars” team.
Donning the red-and-white stripes, Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos headlines the squad as its captain, supplemented by standouts RJ Abarrientos (Shinshu Brave Warriors) and brothers Kiefer (Shiga Lakes) and Thirdy (San-en NeoPhoenix) Ravena for its backcourt.
Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins) and Matthew Wright (Kyoto Hannaryz), who recently broke through the B.League’s 1000-point club, provide their shot-creating ability from the wings. 2019 Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) first overall selection Roosevelt Adams, Greg Slaughter (Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka), Carl Tamayo (Ryukyu Golden Kings), and the country’s first PUMA ambassador Kai Sotto (Yokohama B-Corsairs) fortify the paint.
With Ramos at the mantle, he’ll also be joined by third-time entrants Yang Jaemin (Sendai 89ERS) and Wang Weijia (Akita Northern Happinets) and All-Star Game rookies Lee Daesung (Seahorse Mikawa), Chan Minkuk (Nagasaki Veruca), Liu Junting (Aomori Watts), Shenze Li (Fukushima Firebonds), and Chuanxin Liu (Altiri Chiba), rounding up the roster.
