Fil-Am makes impact on Nationals, leaves for home

TAIPEI - Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson left for the US convinced he could provide a big boost and insight into the national team program and serve as inspiration and big influence to Gilas Pilipinas in his four-day bonding with the Nationals.

“He’s a tremendous inspiration and influence,” said Terrence Romeo of the Laker guard, who joined two Gilas practices in Manila and stood as the No. 1 cheerleader against Chinese-Taipei, South Korea and Spartak-Primorye of Russia here.

“He’s concerned not just with the current team but with the program development of Gilas,” said SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas.

“He’s sharing his ideas, saying maybe we can pattern our program with USA Basketball, maybe it’s about time to have a long-term program from under-16 level. I said ‘yes we’ve been doing that.’ Then he brought in the idea of playing with Bobby Ray Parks and Kobe Paras,” Vargas also said.

Clarkson suggested bonding and get-together sessions with the Nationals.

“I’m willing to fly (to the Philippines) if we have a bonding session there. Or you can bring them to LA and I’ll take care of them,”said Maynilad/Talk n Text official Patrick Gregorio quoting Clarkson.