Clarkson
There is no question about how much the Los Angeles Lakers’ Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson wants to represent the Philippine national basketball team.
This much he expressed yesterday in a statement that came on the heels of a report that quoted his father, Mike, as saying that he will not suit for the team known as the “Gilas Pilipinas.”
In the said report, the elder Clarkson said that his 23-year old son cannot play for Gilas with his commitment to the Lakers and their campaign in the upcoming season of the NBA.
“My father Mike, has always looked out for my welfare and is only genuinely concerned for my career, my future and my wellbeing. His thoughts are that of a very loving dad,” Clarkson said in the statement.
“I just called him and we agreed we will talk about my playing for Gilas when I get back. Nothing is cast in stone. But I want to assure my Filipino brothers and sisters that if given the chance and everything can be worked out, I sincerely wish to play for Gilas and contribute to the total team effort for flag and country,” Clarkson explained in the statement. “This is the reason why I am observing and familiarizing myself with the team while here and will even follow them in Taipei for the Jones Cup so I can see them compete up close and benefit from the learnings from the said experience.”
The First Team All-Rookie member joined the Gilas in their practice on Wednesday and will be joining the team to Taiwan to observe the team when it competes in the William Jones Cup.