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.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Weigh-In Results: Fundora and Conwell Ready for Golden Boy Fight Night in Oceanside
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Undefeated, rising Canadian prospect Eric Basran wins in Opening round to advance to quarterfinals of inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
Sat, 19 Apr 2025WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH
Sat, 19 Apr 2025