SBP thanks ‘stronger’ communication with NBA for Clarkson PH stint

SBP president Al Panlilio and NBA Mark Tatum meet after the NBA allowed Cleveland Cavalier to join the Philippines for the 2018 Asian Games. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Jordan Clarkson’s stint in the NBA may just be the first of many international tours of duty for the Filipino-American swingman.

It took a lot of convincing from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas but the organization came through in time for the NBA to allow the Cleveland Cavalier to join the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

And SBP president Al Panlilio personally thanked NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum for the help the league gave the Philippine basketball scene.

“Our wish of having Jordan Clarkson play for the Philippine team has become a reality in the Asian Games and SBP’s desire is to have him play in future competitions during the NBA break,” said Panlilio in a statement.

“With a stronger communication line and relationship with Mark Tatum and the NBA, I am confident that it can happen again.”

Clarkson has been the apple of the SBP’s eye since he became a rookie in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014, but has faced difficulties after difficulties before he could get to don the Philippine jersey.

In his first stint, Clarkson impressed and led the Philippines to a fifth-place finish in the Asian Games, the best result for the country since 2002 when it placed fourth.