After spending a year playing in the NBA, Houston Rockets rising star Jalen Green hopes to bring in the same "winning mentality" among his team heading into his sophomore year.
The 20-year-old Green is slowly embracing a part of leadership roles as the Rockets, who had had 20 wins and 62 losses, continue their rebuilding process after finishing last overall in the 2021-22 season.
The Filipino-American guard, in the last season, averaged 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a rookie.
"My mindset is just to go in and be the very best version of myself on and off the court," said Green, addressing the Philippine media Thursday, Aug. 11, at the adidas Brand Center in Glorietta 3 in Makati City.
"Like I said, try to build that winning mentality. We're on rebuild right now, trying to get everyone on the same page, trying to go into the right direction. So I think just tryna keep that mindset," added Green, who made his third visit in the country and the first since being drafted in the NBA.
Joining Green, who was selected second overall pick by Houston, among the intact core are Christian Wood, Kevin Porter Jr., Eric Gordon, Jae'Sean Tate, and Dennis Schroder.
Meanwhile, Green, who traces his Filipino roots to Ilocos Sur through his mother Bree Purganan, happily answered a couple of "fast talk" questions and tried his best to guess some Filipino words.
As of press time, Green, adidas' Global Ambassador, continues his second part of his JG4 Manila Tour at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Paranaque City.