Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson wants to be part of Gilas Pilipinas
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson, left, shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka, of Congo, defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 1, 2015, in Los Angeles. The Thunder won 108-101. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
MANILA, Philippines-A Laker for Gilas? Why not?
That’s what Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson wants to do.
“It definitely would mean a lot,” Clarkson said in a report from NBA.com. “It’s just one of those things you want to do, like how I want to make my city proud and make that country proud as well.”
Clarkson, however, has to jump above some legal roadblocks before he don the Philippine colors.
According to Fiba rules, a player should apply dual citizenship before he turns 16.
Clarkson’s 22 but is seeking an exception to play for Gilas.
And just as much any person with Filipino roots, there is that “Pinoy pride” inside him.
“After one of the natural disasters they had over there, I saw a picture where it’s flooded and kids are still playing basketball with the hoop still standing,” Clarkson said. “Just showing love for the game over there and how pivotal basketball is, how far it stretches. It’s crazy then just seeing the support I have from the Philippines.”
Clarkson was born to a Filipina, Annette Davis, and is thankful for his heritage for bringing him into the niche of the Filipino culture.
He was on the center of a Filipino Heritage Night in Detroit.
Clarkson is the only Filipino-blooded active player in the NBA.
READ: Lakers’ Fil-Am rookie Jordan Clarkson makes NBA debut
And playing for the Lakers instantly gave him a big fan base.
“They follow the Lakers,” Clarkson said. “Everybody’s a big Kobe fan over there. So it’s cool to be second to Kobe for them out there. It’s just one of those things: I’m blessed to have those people.”
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