NBA star Jordan Clarkson tries six oversized barongs

JAKARTA – Fil-Am cager Jordan Clarkson will be trying out six new Barong Tagalogs to fit his size as he takes the spotlight as the country’s standard-bearer in tonight’s opening ceremonies of the 18th Asian Games at the sprawling Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here.

“Those were only oversize ones left so we shipped them out as fast as we can,” said national team chef de mission Richard Gomez, who arrived on a Philippine Airlines flight Friday night together with some Filipino athletes, of the national costume designed by Randy Ortiz. “I hope one of those fits Jordan.”

Made out of silk, the Barong sports an embroidered  “harimanok ”design and sun on both breasts and will be worn by the over 270-man national contingent. The 6-foot-4 Cleveland Cavalier mainstay, who was given a one-time exempt pass by the NBA to anchor the national basketball team, will be the man at the helm during the rites starting at 7 p.m. (8 p.m. in Manila) at the 80,000-capacity stadium.

Gomez disclosed that he had endorsed Clarkson as the flag-bearer to Philippine Olympic Committee secretary-general Pato Gregorio “because Clarkson is a good role model who has reached the pinnacle of being a Filipino basketball athlete by playing in the NBA. He will inspire our other athletes here to do well.”

He pointed out that bestowing the honor on the Fil-Am will also send a message that “whether you are Filipino born overseas or locally, we are just one big sports family.”

Clarkson will make his keenly awaited debut for the national team on Tuesday when the Nationals go up against the fancied Chinese in a duel for the top Group D spot.