Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Jordan Clarkson won’t be wearing the Philippines colors anytime soon but Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin is just glad to see the enthusiasm the Los Angeles Laker has towards the national team.
“Whenever Jordan shows up, it helps our morale because we know his passion is, his desire to play for the Philippines. It makes us feel good and he’s happy doing it,” Baldwin said.
Clarkson attended the national team’s jersey unveiling on Saturday and took part in the squad’s closed-door practices soon after.
READ: Clarkson shows support to Gilas in weekend trip to Manila
Baldwin said the promising NBA guard joined the team’s early drills and nothing more, knowing the big obligations he has during the course of this NBA offseason.
“He simply can’t go live. Nobody’s going to take a risk and he’s not insured for that. He’s sitting on a big contract for next year,” said the 58-year-old Baldwin on Clarkson, who will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.
Still, it’s a welcome sight for Gilas Pilipinas to have him in its practice sessions, even for just a short while. He stayed in Manila for the weekend before flying back to the States on Monday.
“It’s just a morale boost for us, a feel good thing for Jordan and we’re happy to accommodate that,” said Baldwin. “We help everybody out. It’s a win-win for everybody, but nothing dramatic.”
And Clarkson is doing the best he could, motivating the players to aspire for greatness despite the huge task that lies ahead.
“Jordan always tells the players he believes in them. He has repeatedly told the guys that they could accomplish something and he’ll support us no matter what,” said Baldwin.