SBP to meet with Lakers, Clarkson’s dad in US

SBP vice chair Ricky Vargas and PBA board member Patrick Gregorio is set to meet with Clarkson’s dad and the Fil-American guard’s NBA team Los Angeles Lakers in the US. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

TAIPEI – Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas vice chair Ricky Vargas and PBA board member Patrick Gregorio will fly to the United States on Wednesday to meet the father of Jordan Clarkson and assure the point guard’s family that “he will be well taken cared of.”

There have been concerns on Clarkson’s availability to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Asia Olympic qualifier in China later this month with Clarkson yet to sign a lucrative pact with the Los Angeles Lakers after a breakthrough rookie season last year.

“Our talk with the father is to reassure him that, from the time that he (Jordan) has not signed the contract to the time that he does, and if he gets injured while with Gilas, we will assure them that during period that he will be properly taken cared of,” said Vargas.

“We will be taking a risk anyway, whether he has a contract or not.”

Vargas and Gregorio are also set to meet with Lakers officials for the Filipino tradition of “paying respects,” which the cage officials hope “they would appreciate.”