Filipino pro dunker David Carlos resumes China hoops career

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino pro dunker David Carlos is headed back to Shenzen, China to continue his unusual basketball career.

 

Carlos, who won a NCAA Juniors title with San Sebastian in 2006 and later played for UST’s Team B, has made a name for himself as a professional dunker. In September of 2017, Carlos bested Polish champion Rafal “Lipek” Lipinski in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Chengdu Masters Slam Dunk Contest catapulting the Filipino to new heights of popularity.

 

Aside from going around China performing in dunk shows and teaching the game to young kids, David also plays five-on-five ball with his team, Slam Dunk Basketball Club. “Unfortunately for our team, we’re out of contention for the play-offs,” admitted Carlos. “But the league isn’t over. We still have games to play.”

 

Carlos is teammates with two Americans with the rest of the squad composed of Chinese citizens. “This is my second year playing in China and Slam Dunk Basketball Club is actually my third Chinese team. I didn’t think I’d ever have a career here. I wish and dream of still playing here at home but I have to be very thankful for the opportunities that come my way.”

 

Despite playing in China for two years now, Carlos says he struggles with Chinese. “I know little,” he laughed. “Fortunately, I also work and teach kids who can speak English and that somewhat helps with the language barrier.”

 

Living in China has also forced Carlos to learn a lot of other mundane things… such as cooking. “I can’t cook but I had to learn,” he sheepishly said. “I am no chef but I get by. Nothing special… boiled stuff; steamed food. I have to make sure I get my veggies and protein in. I have to avoid the greasy and oily stuff.”

 

Carlos said that he will be back on Philippine soil for the upcoming FIBA 3x3 World Cup that will be held this coming June at the Philippine Arena. He will once more represent the country in the slam dunk championship.

 

“Competing in the Slam Dunk Contest here come June will mean a lot to me,” he summed up. “It might be the closest I’d get to playing here but who knows? Right now, I am grateful for any opportunity. Even playing in China.”