Clarkson says he’d like to play in future for Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson of the LA Lakers has reiterated his desire to play for Gilas Pilipinas if ever it decides to participate in the final Olympic qualifier set July 5-10 next year.

Clarkson, who missed joining the Nationals in the just-concluded FIBA Asia Championship due to his Lakers schedule in the NBA, bared his intention to join the Tab Baldwin-mentored team in a video he posted on social media.

In the video that came out on his Twitter account, @JClark50n, recently, Clarkson was seen going for a slamdunk.

The sophomore Lakers guard used the caption: “Tough Fight: In 2016 @JClark5on & #SmartGilas #ALLIN #RoadToRedemption @lettrs.”

Clarkson’s support to Gilas came a day after the Filipinos fell to the Chinese in the finals.

He was supposed to suit up for Gilas in Changsha but needed to attend the Lakers camp in Hawaii. He also failed to get a clearance from FIBA.

But by July next year, Clarkson will be fully available for Gilas duties as the NBA will be over by then.

Gilas and fellow semifinalists Iran and Japan, are eligible to play in the final Olympic qualifier among wildcards that included 15 other teams from Europe, Africa, Americas and Oceania.