THE Cleveland Cavaliers take proud in Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson’s stint with the Philippine men’s basketball team in the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The NBA franchise posted on its official website the story of Clarkson representing his mother's homeland in a major international meet for the first time in his career.
The short article was accompanied by a photo of the 26-year-old Cavalier guard wearing a red Pilipinas basketball shirt, while flanked by Foreign Affairs Secretary Allan Cayetano and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez.
Clarkson was initially not allowed by the NBA to fly the Philippine colors since the Asiad is not covered by its agreement with FIBA. But the league later on relented by giving him a one-time exception.
The story also noted Clarkson being the flag bearer for the Philippines during the opening ceremonies of the Games, and his first official international stint when the Filipinos play mighty China on Tuesday at the GBK Basketball Hall, mentioning that he’ll be up against fellow NBA players Zhou Qi of Houston Rockets and Ding Yanyuhang of Dallas Mavericks.
The website added how the event will be a ‘great tune-up before training camp tips off next month in Independence, Ohio.’
Clarkson averaged 13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as he split the 2017-18 season with the LA Lakers and the Cavaliers, where he reached the finals and lost to back-to-back champ Golden State Warriors.
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