Jordan Clarkson: 'I came to win a medal'

JAKARTA – Jordan Clarkson said he flew halfway round the world with a mission to compete and try to win a medal for Team Philippines in the 18th Asian Games.

“I’m very excited I’m finally able to do this, being able to play with my team, for the country. It’s definitely something I’ve been looking forward to,” said Clarkson. “It’s not a learning experience. I’ve come here to win and try to medal.”

The Fil-Am NBA player buckled down to work a few hours after his arrival in this Indonesian capital yesterday noon.

For Clarkson to know his teammates and the system right away, national coach Yeng Guiao set a practice five hours after their game against Kazakhstan.

Guiao was optimistic Clarkson would fit in right away.

A skilled and intelligent player that he is, Clarkson may really find it easy to adapt with his teammates.

Clarkson has worked out with Asi Taulava and Gabe Norwood in his previous attempt to join Gilas.

“The rest of the players I’ve seen a little bit. But those (Taulava and Norwood) are the two that I really know from the last team I came down here to practice,” said Clarkson.

Team Phl lacks in ceiling but now has got a more explosive backcourt and wing rotations in Clarkson, Stanley Pringle, Gabe Norwood, James Yap, Chris Tiu and Paul Lee.                                                   

Guiao is likely to use quickness and shooting to offset height disadvantage against China.