If you don’t follow the KBL (Korean Basketball League), here’s a solid introduction to Ethan Alvano.
At the 2025-2026 KBL All-Star Game, the Filipino American guard found himself matched up with Lee Gwan-hee, who reality TV fans may recognize from Single’s Inferno 3 and Bloody Game. Alvano nutmegged him, slipping the ball between Lee’s legs in a classic All-Star Game moment. Making it even better: Alvano and Lee had been teammates on Wonju DB Promy the previous season.
The play showed some of the confidence and creativity that’s helped make Alvano one of the KBL’s biggest stars. In the 2023-2024 season, the Wonju DB Promy guard made history by becoming the first non-Korean player to win the league’s domestic MVP award, after averaging 15.9 points and 6.6 assists while leading Wonju DB to the best record in the KBL.
In the 2025-2026 season, Alvano added another honor: KBL 3rd Round MVP, recognizing his play from December 7, 2025 through January 2, 2026.
Now entering his fifth season in Korea, Alvano tells K-Snax that the country has become home for him and his family. We spoke with him about the pressure that came with becoming MVP, his pursuit of his first professional championship, adjusting to life in Korea, whether Korean television has come calling and a question many Filipino basketball fans have wondered about: could he ever suit up for Gilas Pilipinas?
K-Snax: You made history as the first non-Korean player to win the KBL’s domestic MVP award. What did that moment mean to you personally?
Alvano: Personally, I think it’s a great accomplishment because it was the first to ever be done. It may be done again and I hope another Filipino player can do it again but to be the first ever is pretty special. Also, it was the first time i’ve received an MVP at the professional level so it meant a lot.
K-Snax: How did winning MVP change the expectations placed on you by your coaches, teammates, fans and even yourself?
Alvano: I think it set a new standard for myself. A lot is expected from an MVP and so I believe my teammates looked at me to perform at that level every game and every season. However, I think I put more pressure on myself to maintain that MVP level of play because it motivates me. I know a lot is expected of me but that also drives me to be better every season and ultimately try and win another MVP.
K-Snax: You’ve achieved an individual honor that no other non-Korean player had won before. What are the biggest goals still motivating you at this stage of your career?
Alvano: I think ultimately what’s motivating me is to win a championship. I haven’t won a championship at the professional level and that’s my motivation. Individual awards are great but I also want to be able to lead a team to the championship like a MJ, Kobe, Lebron.
K-Snax: You’ve now spent several years living in Korea. What parts of Korean life and culture have started to feel like home to you?
Alvano: Yes, this is our 5th season in Korea and it’s truly has become our home. I think the main things we’ve become accustomed to are the safety and kindness of people. We feel very comfortable here anywhere in public because of the safety and just overall friendliness. We love the food as well, kimchi has become a staple in our diet. I would say those are the main things that have made it feel like home to us.
K-Snax: What was the most difficult adjustment when you first arrived, whether it was the language, basketball culture or everyday life?
Alvano: When me and my family first arrived to Korea it was a huge adjustment. Obviously, the language was a barrier and still is at times, but also just the way of life here was very different. People can be very focused on their daily commute or schedule that no one really like stops and smiles at other people haha or it’s not common for people to hold the door open for you. However, like I explained earlier one thing Korea does well is preserve the traditional Korean culture which makes you feel very welcomed and curious to learn more. Basketball is pretty universal, so that wasn’t too big of a shock but it did take some time to get used to the style of play and speed of the KBL.
K-Snax: Have you noticed your public profile growing outside of basketball since becoming MVP? Have you received any invitations to appear on Korean variety or reality shows?
Alvano: I haven’t been invited to do any TV shows or anything like that but my popularity in our town and as a player have grown tremendously. I have done a commercial for our team sponsor which is an insurance company here in Korea, so that was cool.
K-Snax: We’d love to see you represent the Philippines on a global stage. Has Gilas Pilipinas ever reached out to you?
Alvano: I’d love to represent the Philippines as well but unfortunately due to FIBA rules I don’t qualify for our national team. I didn’t obtain my Filipino passport until the age of 22 but to qualify I would’ve have needed to obtain it by 18. It’s an unfortunate situation but maybe one day i’ll be able to if rules change.
K-Snax: When your career is over, how do you hope basketball fans in Korea and the Philippines remember you?
Alvano: This is a great question. I hope fans from both countries just remember me as a player who worked hard and gave his best. Win or lose, I hope i’m remembered for the way I competed every game. Some people may not like my style of play, but I hope they can respect the passion that I played with.
K-Snax: What are your favorite Asian snacks?
Alvano: Wow, this is a tough one. I have a lot.
If we consider Ramen a snack then I love the Korean Shin Ramyun. Pepero, the oreo flavor is also one of my favorites.
Oishi shrimp crackers are probably my favorite Asian snack of all time though. I grew up eating them as a kid so it has that nostalgic feeling.
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