LOS ANGELES — For some reason, the Philippines has always held a special place in NBA players’ hearts, all for one simple thing: their appreciation for the game.
Many have said it before, but Steve Nash, who’s visited the country countless times, doesn’t mind saying it again.
“It’s on a different level,” Nash told SPIN.ph during the official launch of NBA on Prime Studios at MGM Amazon in Culver City, California.
“I think it’s underappreciated how big basketball is in the Philippines. I don’t think a common NBA fan understands it. We think of foreign countries and it’s always football or soccer or baseball — but there, it’s basketball. And that means a lot for us.”
The two-time NBA MVP reflected on how that kind of passion pushes players to take their game to another level, knowing that they inspire fans from afar.
Despite language barriers and cultural differences, Nash said it’s always a warm experience spending time in the Philippines — a place where he truly feels seen as a basketball player.
“It’s very cool to me how basketball is loved in the Philippines,” he said. “In Canada or the U.S., yes, it’s growing — but for Filipinos, you can feel the passion. Wonderful. I’ve seen it firsthand.”
Filipino pride
Speaking from his coaching perspective, Nash also highlighted how Filipinos can take pride in the likes of Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green, and coach Erik Spoelstra — all carrying Filipino heritage on the global stage.
“I believe there will be a homegrown Filipino in the NBA,” said the 51-year-old, who will serve as an analyst for NBA on Prime this season. “But even now, they should be proud of Jordan, Jalen, and others — because that’s heritage, that’s blood. It’s only a matter of time, and it will come.”
READ: Dirk, D-Wade turn up volume for NBA on Prime debut
Nash and NBA on Prime Studios will officially jumpstart their coverage on October 25, as the platform brings a fresh lineup of game analysis, features, and behind-the-scenes content for the 2025-26 NBA season.
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