Summary
✓Reviewed by James Carter Currently, more than ten Filipino basketball players are proving their skills in various parts of the world — from Japan's B.League to South Korea's KBL, and now even in Europe and the Middle East. The best...
Table of contents
- 1 Why Filipino Basketball Players Abroad Matter in 2026
- 2 Top 10 Filipino Basketball Players Abroad: Complete List and Analysis
- 2.1 1. Jordan Clarkson — New York Knicks, NBA
- 2.2 2. Kai Sotto — Japanese B.League
- 2.3 3. Ray Parks Jr. — Osaka Evessa, Japanese B.League
- 2.4 4. Samjosef Belangel — South Korean KBL
- 2.5 5. Dwight Ramos — Japanese B.League
- 2.6 6. A.J. Edu — Nagasaki Velca, Japanese B.League
- 2.7 7. J.D. Cagulangan — South Korean KBL
- 2.8 8. Thirdy Ravena — Dubai Basketball Club, ABA League
- 2.9 9. Juan Gomez de Liaño — Seoul SK Knights / BC Wolves, KBL and Europe
- 2.10 10. Carl Tamayo — BC Dubai, Dubai Basketball League
- 3 Complete Statistics of the Best Filipino Basketball Players Abroad (2024–2025)
- 4 Leagues Played by Filipino Basketball Players Abroad
- 5 The Historical Role of Filipinos in International Basketball
- 6 Filipino Basketball Players Abroad to Watch in 2026
- 7 How Overseas Players Affect Gilas Pilipinas
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 8.1 Who is the best Filipino basketball player abroad today?
- 8.2 How many Filipino players are currently playing in the Japanese B.League?
- 8.3 Who was the first Filipino to play in Europe?
- 8.4 Who was the first Filipino to play in the Dubai Basketball League?
- 8.5 Does playing abroad help Filipinos’ careers in the PBA?
- 8.6 Which Filipinos have the longest experience playing abroad?
- 9 Summary: The Future of Filipino Basketball Players Abroad
- 10 References
Currently, more than ten Filipino basketball players are proving their skills in various parts of the world — from Japan’s B.League to South Korea’s KBL, and now even in Europe and the Middle East. The best Filipino basketball players abroad: top 10 to watch in 2026 encompass a generation full of talent that transcends the boundaries of Philippine basketball. In this article, we will examine each of them based on real data from RealGM Philippines International Players and other official sources.
Why Filipino Basketball Players Abroad Matter in 2026
The concept of Filipino hoopers playing abroad is not new — Bobby Ray Parks Sr. was one of the first Filipinos to try the international arena in the 1980s. But the real change began when Gilas Pilipinas joined more international competitions, opening doors for players to be noticed by foreign teams. According to Rappler, there are eight Filipinos running in the KBL and two more in Europe in the latest record.
Top 10 Filipino Basketball Players Abroad: Complete List and Analysis
The following is our analysis of the best Filipino basketball players abroad based on 2024–2025 data from the RealGM Philippines International Players page and reports from Rappler.
1. Jordan Clarkson — New York Knicks, NBA
Jordan Clarkson is the only Filipino in the most prestigious basketball league in the world. In the 2025–2026 NBA season, he moved to the New York Knicks and appeared in three games with an average of 6.00 points, 2.33 rebounds, and 1.00 assists in 14.56 minutes per game, according to data from the RealGM NBA Philippines page. He is the most elevated symbol of Filipino basketball on the international stage.
2. Kai Sotto — Japanese B.League
Standing at 7-foot-3, Kai Sotto is one of the most well-known and anticipated Filipino players abroad. In the 2024–2025 B.League season, he averaged 13.77 points, 9.54 rebounds, 2.00 assists, 0.62 steals, and 1.15 blocks in 27.18 minutes over 26 games, according to RealGM data. His presence in the game is a significant burden for Gilas Pilipinas whenever there is an international competition.
3. Ray Parks Jr. — Osaka Evessa, Japanese B.League
Ray Parks Jr. is one of the most consistent Filipinos playing abroad. In the 2024–2025 B.League season with Osaka Evessa, he averaged 13.60 points, 4.21 rebounds, 2.90 assists, and 0.84 steals in 58 games and 29.43 minutes per game, according to RealGM. His 58-game count demonstrates his durability and excellence as a key player for the team.
4. Samjosef Belangel — South Korean KBL
One of the most effective Filipino guards in the KBL, Samjosef Belangel averaged 14.07 points, 2.91 rebounds, 4.74 assists, and 1.64 steals in 58 games and 29.86 minutes in the 2024–2025 KBL season, according to RealGM. His assist average proves his value as a playmaker for his team in Korea.
5. Dwight Ramos — Japanese B.League
As one of the most complete Filipino wing players abroad, Dwight Ramos averaged 11.65 points, 2.76 rebounds, 1.86 assists, 0.71 steals, and 0.41 blocks in 51 games and 22.33 minutes per game in the 2024–2025 B.League season, according to RealGM data. His versatility in offense and defense makes him an essential part of his team.
6. A.J. Edu — Nagasaki Velca, Japanese B.League
A.J. Edu is the main rim protector and rebounder for Nagasaki Velca in the Japanese B.League. In the 2024–2025 season, he averaged 5.56 points, 6.05 rebounds, 1.00 assists, 0.91 steals, and 1.37 blocks in 57 games and 22.38 minutes, according to RealGM. His block average of 1.37 showcases his defensive prowess, a trait that is also crucial for Gilas Pilipinas.
7. J.D. Cagulangan — South Korean KBL
J.D. Cagulangan is another Filipino point guard proving his skills in the KBL. In the 2024–2025 season, he averaged 6.84 points, 2.35 rebounds, 3.97 assists, and 1.59 steals in 37 games and 22.71 minutes, according to RealGM. He was also mentioned by OneSports as one of the most awarded in the KBL.
8. Thirdy Ravena — Dubai Basketball Club, ABA League
After a successful four years with San-En NeoPhoenix in the Japanese B.League, Thirdy Ravena moved to the Dubai Basketball Club in the ABA League, a significant step for Filipino basketball in the Middle East. According to a report from Rappler, he is also recognized as one of the pioneers of Pinoy basketball in Europe and now in Dubai.
“The movement of Filipino players to Europe and the Middle East is a sign that Filipino basketball is no longer limited to Asia — it is a global movement.”
9. Juan Gomez de Liaño — Seoul SK Knights / BC Wolves, KBL and Europe
Juan Gomez de Liaño was the first male Filipino to play in Europe when he signed with BC Wolves of the Lithuanian Basketball League, according to a report from IBTimes. He also played for the Seoul SK Knights in the KBL. His history as a pioneer opens new doors for the next generation of Filipinos aspiring to play in Europe.
10. Carl Tamayo — BC Dubai, Dubai Basketball League
Carl Tamayo became the first Filipino to play in the Dubai Basketball League when he signed with BC Dubai, according to a report from OneSports. His entry into the new league in the UAE shows the expanding scope of Filipino basketball on the international stage, going beyond the traditional Japan-Korea route.
Complete Statistics of the Best Filipino Basketball Players Abroad (2024–2025)
The following table shows the data for the main Filipino players abroad, based on statistics from the 2024–2025 season from RealGM.
| Player | League | Games | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Clarkson | NBA (New York Knicks) | 3 | 6.00 | 2.33 | 1.00 |
| Kai Sotto | Japanese B.League | 26 | 13.77 | 9.54 | 2.00 |
| Ray Parks Jr. | Japanese B.League | 58 | 13.60 | 4.21 | 2.90 |
| Samjosef Belangel | South Korean KBL | 58 | 14.07 | 2.91 | 4.74 |
| Dwight Ramos | Japanese B.League | 51 | 11.65 | 2.76 | 1.86 |
| A.J. Edu | Japanese B.League | 57 | 5.56 | 6.05 | 1.00 |
| J.D. Cagulangan | South Korean KBL | 37 | 6.84 | 2.35 | 3.97 |
Source: RealGM Philippines International Players, data from the 2024–2025 season.
Leagues Played by Filipino Basketball Players Abroad
Filipino players are spreading across different parts of the world. Japan’s B.League remains the primary destination, followed by South Korean KBL. But in 2025–2026, the map is expanding towards Europe and the Middle East. All of this shows the growing interest of foreign teams in Filipino talent, especially after the successful performances of Gilas Pilipinas in international competitions.
| League / Country | Filipino Players (2024–25) | Level of Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese B.League | Kai Sotto, Ray Parks Jr., Dwight Ramos, A.J. Edu, Geo Chiu, Roosevelt Adams, Matthew Aquino | Highest (B1) and B2 |
| South Korean KBL | Samjosef Belangel, J.D. Cagulangan, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Miguel Oczon, Justin Gutang, Calvin Espitola | National League |
| ABA League / Europe | Thirdy Ravena (Dubai BC), Juan Gomez de Liaño (BC Wolves) | International |
| Dubai Basketball League | Carl Tamayo (BC Dubai) | UAE National League |
| NBA (America) | Jordan Clarkson (New York Knicks) | Highest in the World |
Source: Rappler, OneSports, RealGM — data from 2024–2026.
The Historical Role of Filipinos in International Basketball
The history of Filipino basketball on the international level has a long-standing start. According to Wikipedia Philippines men’s national basketball team, the Philippines is one of the oldest members of FIBA and a former champion in the Asian Games. The modern era of Filipino overseas players began to grow well in the 2010s, when Thirdy Ravena became one of the pioneers in entering the Japanese B.League, followed by many other Filipinos.
“Every Filipino player playing abroad serves as an inspiration for the next generation seeking their own path in international basketball.”
Filipino Basketball Players Abroad to Watch in 2026
Aside from those already listed, there are several names to watch in 2026 and 2027. These include new aspirants going abroad after their UAAP and PBA careers. The expanding network of Filipino coaches and agents in Japan and Korea accelerates the process of transfers and contract signings. Also read our analysis on Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand: Preview of the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers to better understand how overseas players impact the national team.
The following names are also included in the broader list of Filipino players playing abroad according to Rappler: Miguel Oczon (Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus), Justin Gutang (Seoul Samsung Thunders), Calvin Espitola (Busan KCC Egis), Geo Chiu (Ehime Orange Vikings, B2), and Roosevelt Adams (Yamagata Wyverns, B2).
How Overseas Players Affect Gilas Pilipinas
The experience of Filipino players in foreign leagues directly helps in building Gilas Pilipinas. The high level of competition in the B.League and KBL enhances the players’ ability to compete against international teams. For example, the regular play of Kai Sotto and A.J. Edu against foreign opponents in the B.League provides them with experience that is hard to gain solely in the PBA. For a deeper analysis of the Gilas roster, read our Analysis of the Gilas Pilipinas Roster for the 2026 FIBA Qualifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the best Filipino basketball player abroad today?
Based on the statistics of the 2024–2025 season from RealGM, Kai Sotto (13.77 PPG, 9.54 RPG) and Samjosef Belangel (14.07 PPG, 4.74 APG) have the most effective output in their leagues. In terms of league prestige, Jordan Clarkson is the highest as he is the only Filipino in the NBA.
How many Filipino players are currently playing in the Japanese B.League?
According to RealGM and Rappler data, there are seven (7) Filipino players playing in the Japanese B.League in the 2024–2025 season, including Kai Sotto, Ray Parks Jr., Dwight Ramos, A.J. Edu, Geo Chiu, Roosevelt Adams, and Matthew Aquino, spread across B1 and B2 divisions.
Who was the first Filipino to play in Europe?
According to IBTimes, Juan Gomez de Liaño was the first male Filipino to play in Europe when he signed with BC Wolves of the Lithuanian Basketball League. Jack Animam is recognized as the Filipina in Europe, and she was also mentioned by Rappler as one of the Filipino presences in European leagues.
Who was the first Filipino to play in the Dubai Basketball League?
According to a report from OneSports, Carl Tamayo was the first Filipino to play in the Dubai Basketball League when he signed with BC Dubai. His current presence in the Middle East opens new opportunities for future Filipino players in that region.
Does playing abroad help Filipinos’ careers in the PBA?
Yes, according to experts and coaches of Gilas Pilipinas. The experience at a higher level of competition in Japan, Korea, and Europe strengthens the players’ skills in defense, positioning, and game reading. Many PBA coaches attest that those who have gone abroad are more prepared for the high level of play.
Which Filipinos have the longest experience playing abroad?
Jordan Clarkson has the highest level of experience as an NBA player. Thirdy Ravena has the longest experience in Asian leagues, starting in the Japanese B.League and now in the ABA League in Dubai. His four years with San-En NeoPhoenix is one of the longest tenures of a Filipino in Japanese professional basketball.
Summary: The Future of Filipino Basketball Players Abroad
The best Filipino basketball players abroad in 2026 are more numerous and have reached further than ever before. From the NBA to the B.League, KBL, ABA League, and Dubai Basketball League, Filipino players prove every day that Filipino basketball talent has a place in the world. The statistics from RealGM, Rappler, and OneSports show that they are not just participating — they are becoming integral parts of their teams.
For those who want to know how one of the most important Filipinos in international basketball was formed, read our Top 5 Players Dominating the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The future of Philippine basketball is bright — and it stems from the foundations being built by our players abroad.
References
- RealGM Philippines International Players — accessed on August 10, 2026
- RealGM Philippines NBA Players — accessed on August 10, 2026
- Rappler: Filipino basketball imports out to strut their stuff anew — accessed on August 10, 2026
- OneSports: Carl Tamayo, JD Cagulangan, Ray Parks Jr. and the Pinoy imports — accessed on August 10, 2026
- IBTimes: Filipino Collegiate Stars Who Broke Mold By Playing Basketball Abroad — accessed on August 10, 2026
- Wikipedia: Philippines men’s national basketball team — accessed on August 10, 2026
