Jordan Clarkson in practice with the Gilas Pilipinas pool. TRISTAN TAMAYO / INQUIRER.NET
For the first time since arriving in Manila last Monday, Jordan Clarkson affirmed Thursday his desire to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Asia Olympic qualifier set next month in Changsha City in China’s Hunan province.
Clarkson, the 6-foot-5 Filipino-American point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers, practiced with the Nationals Thursday even though his father had earlier issued a statement that his son will not be playing for Gilas.
The cager’s father, Mike, pointed out that his son needs to attend the Lakers’ media day on Sept. 30—when the Fiba Asia is already in its knockout phase.
“My father Mike, has always looked out for my welfare and is only genuinely concerned for my career, my future and my well being,” Clarkson said in the statement released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“His thoughts are that of a very loving dad. I just called him and we agreed to talk about my playing for Gilas when I get back (to the United States). 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.”
The Lakers are well aware of Clarkson’s visit to Manila and his talks with the SBP regarding a possible stint with the national team, as confirmed in an Inquirer report a couple of days ago that quoted team spokesman John Black.
“We (Lakers) know that Jordan is over there (in the Philippines) having conversations with the national team and other governing organizations (the SBP),” Black wrote sports columnist Percy Della.
Media day for the Lakers coincides with the quarterfinal round of the Fiba Asia tournament, the knockout phase where Clarkson would be needed most.
If he does leave for Media Day in Los Angeles, and granting that the Filipinos survive the quarterfinals, it would be most unlikely that Clarkson could fly back to China the following day to play in the Final Four.
Meanwhile, Gilas flies to Taipei Friday to see action in the Jones Cup for the first time since 2012.
It is the first full tournament for the nationals since being assembled by head coach Tab Baldwin last Aug. 3.
Andray Blatche will lead this hardy bunch of Nationals that will include Marc Pingris, who rejoined the national pool following his dramatic turnaround last week.
Clarkson will also go to Taipei, leaving on Sunday to watch the Filipinos play their first three games.
They take on Chinese Taipei’s A team, a South Korean club team and Spartak Primory of Russia, in that order.
A member of the 2015 NBA All-Rookie First team, Clarkson paid Manny Pacquiao a visit Wednesday night, even playing chess with the eight-division world champion at Pacquiao’s home in Forbes Park, Makati.
The national teams of Japan and Iran will be the Filipinos’ next two foes before they clash with the Wellington Saints of New Zealand on Sept. 4 and then the United States selection the day after.
Gilas winds up its Jones Cup stint against Chinese Taipei-B on Sept. 5. Baldwin is expected to announce his final roster on Sept. 8.