FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- NBA star Jalen Green is proud to represent his Filipino roots on basketball's biggest stage.

Green, guard for the Phoenix Suns, says his heritage plays a major role in his identity both personally and professionally.

"The fact that I'm in the NBA and representing them as a Filipino basketball player, it means a lot," Green said. "It feels good having a whole country on my back, riding for me."

Green, who is half Black and half Filipino, made his first trip to the Philippines while attending San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno.

His mother, Bree Purganan, has always encouraged him to embrace his Filipino background.

"I'm super proud," Green said. "The last time I went to the Philippines, we actually had the chance to go back to her hometown, where our fa

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