Clarkson ‘terribly disappointed,’ vows to support PH in ‘heart and spirit’

Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson reaffirmed his commitment to represent the Philippines after failing to get the green light to wear the country’s colors in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Clarkson vowed to show his support for the Philippine team and stressed his intentions to suit up for the national team in the future.

On Sunday, the NBA released a statement that it did not allow the Cleveland Cavaliers guard to play for the Philippines in the Asiad.

The possibility of Clarkson playing for the Philippine team came up in August 2015 when the Cleveland Cavaliers guard even joined Gilas Pilipinas in practice before the team flew to Taiwan for the 2015 William Jones Cup.

Three years later, it remains to be just an idea as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas tried but have come up short in tapping the services of Clarkson for several times after either failing to meet the requirements set by Fiba or get clearance from the NBA.

Clarkson was part of the final 12-man lineup but is expected to be replaced by TNT swingman Don Trollano, who joined the national team’s flight to Indonesia Monday night.