Clarkson goes all the way; SBP to assure dad, Lakers

TAIPEI – Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson didn’t only reiterate his desire to play for the national team but looks forward to long-term commitment to the Gilas program that may extend to Olympic year 2024.

“I’m all in,” said Clarkson over dinner with his girlfriend Chanel, business manager Tim Fuller, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas vice chairman Ricky Vargas and PBA board member Patrick Gregorio.

The SBP officials are set to leave for the US and seek a meeting with the LA Lakers’ guard father and the LA Lakers management to assure them that the talented Fil-Am will be taken care of while he’s with Gilas.

“Our talk with the father is to reassure him that, from the time that he (Jordan) has not signed the contract (with the Lakers) to the time that he does, and if he gets injured while with Gilas, we will assure them during that period he will be properly taken care of,” said Vargas. “We will be taking a risk anyway, whether he has a contract or not.”

Clarkson is also to work on a contract-extension deal with the Lakers following an impressive NBA rookie year.

The former University of Missouri standout is here immersing with Gilas with which he may become a part of – officially -- in the near future.

SBP officials are confident Clarkson will satisfy the requirements that will make him eligible to play for Team Phl as a regular player.

Vargas said Clarkson is seriously keen to play for the Philippine team.

“He’s not in the Philippines to play basketball as a mercenary. His commitment is beyond basketball. He wants to impart his self-discipline, his concern for winning,” Vargas said.

“If you wear the Philippine flag, you have to be ready,” Gregorio quoted Clarkson as saying.

“People must envy us that we are playing for Gilas,” Gregorio added.

Having seen Team Phl play up close, Clarkson is optimistic on its potential to be a fixture in the world stage.

“He’s already mentioning his would-be teammates. He mentioned Bobby Ray Parks and Kobe Paras,” said Gregorio.