CLARKSON DISAPPOINTED HE WON'T PLAY FOR GILAS IN FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 09 Sep 2015
Los Angeles Lakers emerging superstar Jordan Clarkson is "very disappointed" that he won't be able to play with the Gilas
National Team in the FIBA Aia Championships in Wuhan, China beginning September 23.
In a statement issued yesterday Clarkson said "we can all agree the 12 men selected to represent the Philippines have earned the right and any continued efforts on my part would not be fair to the team." He said "I will cheer them onto Gold. Let's get to Rio!"
Clarkson revealed that after his return to Los Angeles from the Jones Cup in Taipei, he "had a great talk with my dad. I told him of my experiences with the team and how passionate I was about representing an entire country. My Dad told me to follow my heart."
He also said he spoke to Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak and "he shared the same sentiments about representing an entire country and supported my decision either way."
Clarkson noted that the Filipino fans "are some of the most passionate in the world and many of them are Laker's supporters" and added "I want to sincerely thank all of the fans who sent me letters of encouragement during these last three months about Gilas. I trust my team of advisors of team of advisors as they all worked very hard to get terms prepared that would afford me the opportunity to be part of Gilas if approved."
He said he wanted to say "thank you" for all the people that worked diligently in an attempt to make a dream become reality" and cited the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas management led by MVP (Manny Pangilinan) and Mr. Ricky Vargas and (Pato) Gregorio. Maria Espaldon of East-West Private and Team Clarkson.
Earlier Ricky Vargas who met with Clarkson's dad, Lakers GM Kupchak and team president Jeanie Buss told the New Standard/Viva that former PBA chairman Pato Gregorio ?bringing with us a more positive feeling and a commitment from the Lakers and parents that Jordan will be part of the Gilas program for the long term.?
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