Will Jordan Clarkson play for the Gilas Pilipinas in rio 2016?
By Jonas Davis
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 29 Sep 2015
EL SEGUNDO CALIFORNIA -- The Los Angeles Lakers had their media day that was held at the Toyota Sports Center in EL Segundo.
I was able to interview Filipino American sensation, Jordan Clarkson about Gilas Pilipinas and his chances of playing for the team. The Philippines still have to qualify for the Olympics in Rio next year if they take home the title in the 2015 FIBA Asia basketball Championship. After recently beating heavily favored Iran, the Philippines's chances of qualifying looks more and more realistic.
According to Clarkson:
"They got to adjust to me just as well as I will have to adjust to them, I hope that they make it to Rio and have the opportunity to play for the team and that's definitely going to be good."
For some of you who do not know who Jordan Clarkson is, he was drafted by the Lakers last year and was the 46th overall pick. With injuries plaguing the team, he got his chance to play as a starter and eventually picked as one of the All-Rookie first team. He was perhaps one of the few bright spots that highlighted a very frustrating year for the Lakers. He has definitely solidify his presence in the league and many consider him to be one of the upcoming stars in the NBA.
With Gilas Pilipinas currently having a winning record, specifically winning three in a row that helped them move on to the next round, Clarkson stated: "Keep continuing to win, that's all anybody can ask for, but most importantly keep representing the flag and keep playing."
I also asked him what his take was about his trip back to the Philippines and what it meant for him. He was honored and humbled by how he was treated and how proud he is to represent the country.
"Learning about my culture, I got the chance to be at Manny's [Pacquiao] house, it was a fun time for me and I really enjoyed it. Being there with my country on my back is definitely something I want to do, so hopefully we make that happen."
With the FIBA Asian championship tournament still ongoing, team Philippine's fate has yet to be determined. Clarkson awaits if the team can qualify, so he can join his countrymen in Rio but with the Philippines's chances of winning the tournament currently at an all time high after defeating Iran, the likelihood of him playing for Gilas Pilipinas is becoming more and more a reality.
Top photo: Jordan Clarkson being interviewed during the Lakers media day.
Members of the Philippine media at Lakers media day.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jonas Davis.
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