Clarkson sees stint with future Gilas 5

Fil-Am’s dad says NBA comes first 

MANILA, Philippines - Rising LA Lakers star Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson looks forward to donning the Philippine colors and “contributing to total team effort for flag and country” despite his father’s decision to disallow him to play for the Philippines “anytime soon.”

“Nothing is cast in stone, but I want to assure my Filipino brothers and sisters 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,” said Clarkson in a statement released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Clarkson is to leave with the rest of the Gilas team today for the Jones Cup in Taiwan, putting an end to a public clamor for the 6-5 Laker guard to backstop the Gilas squad in the FIBA Asia Championship.

The 23-year-old Clarkson was here with his girlfriend to act as Smart endorser but found himself the center of attention by the basketball public since he is a holder of a Philippine passport, a FIBA eligibility requirement, and coming in the aftermath of an uproar sparked by the non-participation by some PBA superstars.

But Clarkson’s father Mike, in an exclusive statement sent to Philstar.com, said his son will not suit up for the Philippine team anytime soon because of his current commitment with the LA Lakers in the NBA.

The elder Clarkson said it wasn’t time for his son to don the country’s colors, this being the year he negotiates his contract with the Lakers.

“Having Jordan participate with Gilas in 2015 isn’t a logical or sound business decision as he enters into this important NBA contract year,” the elder Clarkson wrote.

In a separate statement, Jordan said he has called up his father and they have agreed to talk about playing for Gilas when he gets back to the US.

“My father has always looked out for my welfare and is only genuinely concerned for my career, my future and my well-being. His thoughts are that of a very loving dad,” said Jordan.

But he stressed his desire to play for Gilas someday, saying “this is the reason why I am observing and familiarizing myself with the team.”

The SBP actually included Clarkson’s name in the 24-man Phl roster for the FIBA Asia Championship slated Sept. 23-Oct. 3 in Changsha, China.

But the elder Clarkson said his son’s possible Gilas stint will be in conflict with his preparation for the next NBA season in October.

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

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