TAIPEI – Straight from the mouth of Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson came not just his desire but full commitment to be part of a long-term program of national basketball team.
“I’m all in,” said Clarkson over dinner with his girlfriend Chanel, business manager Tim Fuller, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas vice chairman Ricky Vargas and PBA board member Patrick Gregorio.
From here, Vargas and Gregorio will hop over to Hong Kong for an overnight stay then fly to Los Angeles to meet Clarkson’s father and the LA Lakers management.
Vargas and Gregorio will pay the elder Clarkson and the Lakers bosses courtesy and respect, with everyone now knowing the SBP and Clarkson are working together to get the rising NBA star to the Gilas program.
“Our talk with the father is to reassure him that, from the time that he (Jordan) has not signed the contract (with the Lakers) to the time that he does, and if he gets injured while with Gilas, we will assure them that during period that he will be properly taken care of,” said Vargas. “We will be taking a risk anyway, whether he has a contract or not.”
Clarkson is also to work on a contract-extension deal with the Lakers following an impressive NBA rookie year.
The former University of Missouri standout is here immersing with Gilas with which he may become a part of – officially – in the near future.
SBP officials are confident Clarkson will satisfy the requirements that will make him eligible to play for Team Phl as a regular player.
Vargas said Clarkson is seriously keen to play for the Philippine team.
“He’s not in the Philippines to play basketball as a mercenary. His commitment is beyond basketball. He wants to impart his self-discipline, his concern for winning,” Vargas said.
“If you wear the Philippine flag, you have to be ready,” Gregorio quoted Clarkson saying.
“People must envy us that we are playing for Gilas,” Gregorio went on.
Having seen Team Phl play up close, Clarkson is optimistic on its potential to be a fixture in the world stage.
“He’s already mentioning his would-be teammates. He mentioned Bobby Ray Parks and Kobe Paras,” said Gregorio.
“I’m amazed with him – a 23-year-old Fil-Am saying what’s on his mind for the national team. Dapat daw may skills coach, conditioning coach. He mentioned the program of Argentina and Lithuania,” Gregorio added.
Clarkson pointed out to the SBP officials that he wants to play “in 2016, 2020 and 2024, because I am only 23.”
SBP officials are hoping all things be cleared soon so that he'll still able to play for Gilas in the FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China on Sept. 23-Oct. 3.