Clarkson says PH can book Rio slot

Jordan Clarkson. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO/Tristan Tamayo

JORDAN Clarkson is optimistic Gilas Pilipinas can claim the lone Rio de Janeiro Olympic ticket at stake in the coming Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

The Filipino-American NBA player is in town and shared his thoughts on the Philippine men’s basketball team’s chances in the final qualifier set July 5 to 10 at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I think we have a really good chance. In basketball, anything can happen,” said Clarkson during yesterday’s interview at Kerry Gym inside Shangri-La at the Fort at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The restricted free agent, who suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers, cited his team’s 112-95 victory over the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors two months ago, a major upset during the recent NBA season.

“We just have to play our best each time we’re on the floor. Beating our opponents in the OQT, I think, is possible,” said Clarkson.

Gilas faces France and New Zealand in Group B of the preliminary round. If the PBA-backed Nationals advance to the semifinals, they will either meet Canada, Turkey or Senegal, with the surviving team moving on to the finals to dispute the single Olympic spot offered.

Clarkson, whose mother Annette hails from Angeles City, Pampanga, also considered the role that the Filipino crowd will play in the OQT.

“I think it will work in our favor. We can qualify here,” said Clarkson. “Every body will come to support the team for sure.”

The 6-foot-4 guard joined Gilas players and coach Tab Baldwin during the ceremonial unveiling of the new Gilas jersey.