Clarkson’s dad says son won’t play for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson will not suit up for Philippine national basketball team anytime soon.

In an email to US-based Philstar.com contributor Homer Sayson, Mike Clarkson, Jordan’s father, cited timing as a factor in his son’s decision to pass on the chance to don the country’s colors, emphasizing Jordan’s current commitment with the Lakers in the NBA.

“As you know in professional sports, timing is of the essence especially when managing a player's career,” he continued.

“Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse as he [Jordan] prepares for rigors of the upcoming 2015-2016 NBA season and heightened performance expectations.”

Jordan is in town and has started working out with the nationals, who are in the thick of preparation for some overseas tournaments, the most important of which is the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship next month.

Coach Tab Baldwin has included Clarkson in his 24-man pool for Gilas.

The 23-year-old guard’s visit to the country and the recent news that he possesses a Philippine passport fanned hopes of Filipino hoop aficionados that he will be able to reinforce Gilas.