LA Lakers’ Fil-Am Player ‘Sincerely Wish to Play for Gilas’ If Given the Chance

If given the chance, Los Angeles’ Filipino-American sophomore Jordan Clarkson said he sincerely wish to play for the national team Gilas Pilipinas.

Clarkson, who is in the country for a visit, said he and his dad agreed to talk about the possibility of him playing for a national team that will play in the FIBA Asian championships.

”I just called him and we agreed we will talk about my playing for Gilas when I get back,” Clarkson said in a press statement released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Thursday.

”Nothing is cast in stone. But I want to assure my Filipino brothers and sister that, if given the chance and everything can be worked out, I sincerely wish to play for Gilas and contribute to the total team effort for flag and country,” he added.

Clarkson reportedly joined the Gilas for the first time during its practice last Wednesday night at the Meralco gym.

”This is the reason why I am observing and familiarizing myself with the team while I’m here,” he said.

Clarkson said he will even follow the team in Taipei for the Jones Cup “so I can see them compete close up and benefit from the learnings from said experience. Laban Pilipinas! Puso! (Fight Philippines! Heart!).”

Clarkson’s mother came from Angeles City, Pampanga. (PNA) LGI/JFM