Clarkson expresses desire to backstop Gilas

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson, point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, has signified his intention to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas national team after signing up with Smart Communications Inc. as its top endorser.

Clarkson, whose mother Annette is a Filipina born in Angeles, Pampanga, will arrive in Manila today and will be invited to join Gilas Pilipinas as an observer in their practices here. He is also expected to join the Gilas delegation to Taipei for the William Jones Cup Invitational later this month.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas added that Clarkson would also be a chief backer of Smart’s various products and other services.

Clarkson will also be involved in basketball clinics with the youth while in Manila. The rising Lakers star was in Manila last May on a three-day promotional tour with several other NBA players.

“As a proud Fil-Am, I look forward to my upcoming visit to the Philippines. The Pinoy fans have been very supportive of me all year long, and I can’t wait to thank them in person,” Clarkson said on the eve of his visit to the Philippines.