Basketball remains king as Filipino athletes need more support

Alex Eala’s clip recalls growing up on a tennis court painted over a basketball court.

Basketball’s longstanding prominence in Philippine sports has sparked renewed discussions about whether other athletic disciplines receive enough support, attention, and opportunities.

The conversation emerged after Filipino tennis phenom Alex Eala, who dethroned defending champion Iga Swiatek at the Wimbledon—and made history as the first Filipino to reach the second week of the tournament—recalled growing up not on grass courts but on basketball courts.

“I did not grow up on grass in the Philippines. I grew up on a [tennis] court that was painted over a basketball court,” Eala said in a post-match press conference on July 5. “It’s funny. There would be basketball hoops, so I couldn’t really step back a lot because then I would hit the basketball hoop.”

An X user reposted a clip of Eala’s answer, expressing frustration over the widespread presence of basketball courts in the country.

A Threads user, meanwhile, shared a satirical collage of Eala, gymnast Carlos Yulo, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena alongside basketball courts. The user called out the prioritization of basketball infrastructure and sponsorships.

“No hate sa basketball, pero masyado na yang overrated — bigyan niyo rin ng pansin yung ibang sports na umaangat ang athletes natin,” a user said.

Users called for greater investment in sports outside the mainstream, including facilities such as track ovals, specialized courts, and recreational spaces where children can explore various athletic activities.

Others, however, argued that basketball itself should not be blamed for the lack of support received by other sports.

“bakit ba natin inaassume na may concentration of support? oo malaki ang support sa basketball but that doesn’t mean humahadlang siya sa pag lago ng ibang sport,” a user said.