**NBA News: 2025 Pinoy Athlete Ranking Cut Out as Star Jalen Green Rejects Ranking Position**
In a surprising move that has sparked conversation across sports and social media platforms, NBA star **Jalen Green** has officially **rejected his position** in the highly-anticipated **2025 Pinoy Athlete Rankings**, prompting organizers to **cut his name out entirely** from the list. The unexpected decision has stirred debate among Filipino fans and the global basketball community, raising questions about national identity, athlete representation, and personal choice.
Jalen Green, who is of Filipino descent through his mother, has long been celebrated as one of the most high-profile athletes with Filipino roots. His connection to the Philippines has been a source of pride for many, especially as he continues to make waves in the NBA with his explosive scoring, athleticism, and star potential. But in this year’s Pinoy Athlete Rankings — an annual list that recognizes top-performing athletes of Filipino heritage across the globe — Green has made it clear: he wants no part in it.
According to sources close to the situation, Green’s decision stems from a desire to **focus solely on his NBA career and distance himself from cultural narratives that he feels are being used without his full consent**. In a statement shared via his team, Green said,
**“I love and respect my roots, but I don’t want to be ranked or labeled in lists that I didn’t ask to be part of. I represent myself, and my game speaks for itself.”**
This statement has drawn mixed reactions. While some fans respect his autonomy and his right to shape his own narrative, others in the Filipino sports community are disappointed. For many, Green represents a bridge between the Philippines and the global stage, and his inclusion in such rankings is viewed as a symbol of unity and pride.
In response to his refusal, the organizers of the 2025 Pinoy Athlete Rankings announced that they would **remove Green from this year’s list entirely**, a move that has never been made in the ranking’s history. The cutout has now become a trending topic, with fans debating whether the rankings should require athlete consent, or if notable heritage alone is enough for inclusion.
Other athletes of Filipino descent have started weighing in on the issue. Tennis star Alex Eala, for instance, shared a diplomatic comment on Instagram, stating,
**“We all represent in our own way. Much love to Jalen for standing by his truth.”**
Meanwhile, former boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has remained silent on the matter — but fans are eager to hear his take.
This incident also raises a bigger question about how dual-heritage athletes are perceived in their ancestral homelands. While many embrace their heritage proudly, others prefer to let their careers define their legacy without being boxed into cultural labels. Jalen Green’s rejection of the ranking is a bold statement that highlights the tension between personal identity and public expectation.
As the NBA season continues, Green is focused on elevating his game. And while he may not appear on this year’s Pinoy Athlete Rankings, he’s still in the hearts of countless fans — not for his label, but for his undeniable talent.
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