JAKARTA – Jordan Clarkson is thrilled to finally represent his heritage country in the 2018 Asian Games here.
After arriving on Thursday morning to catch the Philippines beat Kazakhstan, 96-59, in its tournament debut, the Cleveland Cavaliers practiced with the team in the afternoon to get acquainted with the players and the plays of coach Yeng Guiao.
The Asiad stint ended a three-year wait for Clarkson, who first trained with the Philippine team in 2015 in the hope of playing for Gilas in the Fiba Asia Championship.
That move was quashed by Fiba.
“I’m just excited, that’s all I can say,” the Fil-American player said. “Just excited to play here and finally with the team. Just being able to put a jersey and represent the country. Just an exciting moment for me.”
The former Los Angeles Laker said he is also excited to get things going as the team prepares to face China on Tuesday at the GBK Basketball Hall.
“It was great. Definitely, coming off the plane and watch them handle what they are supposed to do, beating them by a good amount. A lot of it goes to the coaching staff and the plyers as well in getting prepared for the game.
“Now we got a few days to prepare for China. Hope to come out with the same result,” said Clarkson.
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