Baldwin on Clarkson: ‘He’s here because he wants to play for PH’

Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin also got excited with the presence of Jordan Clarkson during Wednesday night’s practice at Meralco Gym. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin is no different from everyone else inside the crowded Meralco Gym on Wednesday night.

There was much anticipation in the room with Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson expected to attend Gilas training as news of his possible inclusion in the team builds.

And Clarkson not only showed up in practice, he also participated in some of the drills

“It was great to see him. I’m like every Gilas fan when I see a player of his caliber walk in the gym, it’s exciting,” said Baldwin after he had wrapped up another two-hour practice.

There’s no questioning Clarkson’s desire to play for Gilas but there’s uncertainty surrounding it as far as his eligibility to represent the Philippines in Fiba tournaments is concerned.

And with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas still waiting for Fiba’s green light on Clarkson, Baldwin doesn’t want to get too excited over it and be disappointed after.

“But I think the most important thing is not to get carried away with right now with whether Jordan’s going to play or not. We don’t know,” said Baldwin.

“I think the thing that we should all be excited about is he’s here because he wants to be here. There’s nobody with a gun to Jordan’s head,” Baldwin added. “He wants to play for the Philippines and that’s about as exciting an announcement as there can be. I guess the only announcement that can be better is that he can play for the Philippines but we still have to wait for that.”