Gilas or Team USA? 5-star prospect Blaze Johnson holds PH passport

MANILA, Philippines – Blaze Johnson, a Filipino-American five-star prospect, is keeping his options open as he weighs opportunities in both the United States, where he has emerged as a high school standout, and the Philippines, where his roots run deep through his mother.

A crucial step in that process came earlier this year, when Johnson secured his Philippine passport just two months before turning 16, making him eligible to represent Gilas Pilipinas in international competitions.

“Now that I have my passport, I think I am,” Johnson said when asked about his eligibility to play for the national team.

“I know the option is there. If I don’t go to the US and play for (the Team USA), I’d definitely come and play here,” he added after leading Fil-Am Nation Select to its third straight NBTC National Championship on Sunday, March 29, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Johnson’s path, however, remains uncertain, largely dependent on his prospects with Team USA.

He was invited to the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team camp in July, a significant milestone for any high school player. 

Should he suit up for the United States in an FIBA competition, his chances of later representing the Philippines would diminish exponentially, as FIBA rules prohibit players from switching national teams except under special circumstances.

“It’s a rare thing in the United States,” Johnson said of his Team USA invitation. “So it’s a big accomplishment, especially coming from here and then going back there. I’m just really excited.”

His situation mirrors that of Filipino-American guard JJ Mandaquit, who also secured his Philippine passport before turning 16 but went on to play for Team USA’s Under-16 squad in 2023.

The explosive 6-foot-3 guard plays for the City Reapers in the Overtime Elite league in the US. He also showcased his all-around game in the NBTC tournament, going up against top local high school programs, while averaging 18.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

In the championship game, Johnson delivered 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, leading Fil-Am Nation Select to an 85–75 overtime victory over the UST Tiger Cubs.

Despite growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, Johnson said he has remained connected to his Filipino roots through his mother.

“It’s from my mom’s side. A lot of people don’t know,” he said. “It’s really through her and her family. She doesn’t speak Tagalog, so I never really learned it, but she understands it.”

“I still grew up eating pancit and all that. My favorite is lumpia, for sure,” he added.

As he continues to develop his game, Johnson is learning to manage the expectations that come with being a five-star recruit, especially with many eyes, in both the US and the Philippines, starting to catch up on him.

“There’s a little bit of pressure, but I try not to think about it. I just focus on putting in the work,” he said. “I know I still have a lot of room to grow. I’m also trying to improve off the court and in every aspect of my game.”

With several years of high school eligibility remaining, Johnson said he looks forward to returning to the Philippines for future NBTC tournaments to further embrace his roots and immerse himself in the local style of play.

“I’ll probably be back next year and the year after. I’m only 16,” he said. “Just know you’re going to hear my name a lot.” – Rappler.com