Clarkson in for long haul

MANILA, Philippines - SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas yesterday confirmed that Fil-Am NBA guard Jordan Clarkson wants to be part not just of the Gilas team but also of the Gilas program so that whatever is the outcome of talks with his father Mike and Lakers executives in Los Angeles this week, it will be beneficial to the country over the long term.

Vargas and Talk ‘N’ Text PBA governor Patrick Gregorio flew from the Jones Cup in Taipei to Los Angeles via Cathay Pacific last Wednesday. On a separate flight to the same destination was Clarkson who joined Gilas in Taipei last Sunday. Clarkson was accompanied by business manager Tim Fuller and Cincinnati wealth management company East West Private chief operating officer Chao Chuatico Espaldon.

Vargas and Gregorio will confer with Clarkson’s father Mike, Lakers president Jeanie Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak on the rising star’s future as a Philippine team player. SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan said he could do a video call or telepresence with Buss, Kupchak and Clarkson’s father from Manila.

While clearances are being worked out in Los Angeles, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios is communicating with Ivanka Toteva, manager of FIBA’s Sport and Eligibility Department on the documentary requirements for Clarkson to be given the go-signal to suit up for Gilas.

Vargas said there’s a remote chance that Clarkson may be able to play for Gilas at the FIBA Asia Championships in Changsha on Sept. 23-Oct. 3. Gregorio said the door is open but it’s a tight squeeze. “If this was a baseball game, we’re trying to reach first or second base,” said Vargas. “But if we get a homerun, we will be thankful.  A homerun means Jordan will be allowed to play in Changsha. But if we reach first or second base, that’s an achievement too, considering we’re in this for the long haul. Jordan is only 23 so he can play many more years for Gilas. Whatever happens will be good for our country and the national team.”

Gregorio said Vargas explained to Clarkson in detail the vision for Philippine basketball and the guard is all in. “Making the trip to Los Angeles isn’t just for Changsha,” said Vargas. “It’s to get a long-term buy-in to Jordan playing for Gilas not only for this FIBA Asia. If we get it also for the latter, then it’s gravy but if we don’t get it for FIBA Asia, at least we will have paved the way for his future participation with Gilas.”

Vargas said Clarkson is a perfect model of a national player. “He’s a very nice guy, may pusong Pinoy,” he added. “Our objective is to get the Lakers and his father to approve Jordan’s participation if not now then in 2016 and beyond.”

Gregorio said the Laker executives are making themselves available to meet on Clarkson’s case. “We’re excited and honored to meet with Ms. Buss and Mr. Kupchak,” said Gregorio. “We understand Ms. Buss had to cut short a vacation to be back in Los Angeles for our meeting. Jordan’s father flew in from his home in San Antonio to meet with us. We want to show the Lakers that the SBP will comply with whatever are the requirements or limitations for Jordan to play for the national team. We’re just so grateful that we are given the chance to explain our Gilas program.”

Clarkson played three years of college basketball, two with Tulsa and one with Missouri, averaging 15.4 points in 93 total games, including 75 starts. He shot 44 percent from the field, 32 percent from beyond the arc and 80.4 percent from the line. Clarkson was the Washington Wizards second round pick in 2014 then was traded to the Lakers. Last season, he averaged 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 25 minutes in 59 games, including 38 starts. Clarkson shot 44.8 percent from the field, 31.4 percent from three-point range and 82.9 percent from the line. He was named to the All-Rookie first team, only the fifth second round pick to make it to the mythical five in 30 years.

Clarkson’s girlfriend Chanel Iman Robinson, a 5-10 celebrity model who is a fourth Korean, joined him in Manila and Taipei. They flew on Pangilinan’s private jet for an overnight stay in Boracay before proceeding to Taipei.

Vargas said it would’ve been an indication of Gilas’ progress if Andray Blatche played against Iran at the Jones Cup yesterday. Blatche left Taipei to be with his ailing mother Angela for the wake and funeral of his uncle Steve in the US. When Blatche was playing in China this past season, his uncle took care of his mother who is stricken with cancer. He excused himself from the Jones Cup to attend the funeral as a gesture of gratitude to his late uncle. Blatche is also concerned about his mother who lost a sister to cancer.

Blatche is expected back in Taipei tomorrow and may play Gilas’ last game against Chinese-Taipei B on Sunday. “I wish Andray could’ve been in Taipei for the game against Iran,” said Vargas. “How fit is Andray? That’s my worry. Andray needs to focus in the next few weeks to get back in shape.” Blatche, who is about 20 pounds overweight, said there is enough time for him to work back into condition before Changsha.