IN FRONT of a warm and welcoming Tenement crowd, Jordan Clarkson affirmed the good news: He’ll definitely be playing in the Fiba World Cup.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas spokesperson Sonny Barrios had previously confirmed that Clarkson had committed to join the team at least six weeks before next year’s competition, but it was good to hear it straight from JC himself.
In yet another return trip to the fabled Tenement court in Taguig, fans crowded around the balconies overlooking the hardcourt and screamed out his name. Going around the floor, Clarkson obligingly took selfies with them, and gave away signed shirts and basketballs.
Accompanying him was Taguig mayor Lani Cayetano. Through the city government, JC was donating 50 pairs of Nike basketball shoes to Tenement, while the office of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano matched his donations with 50 basketballs and 50 Clarkson shirts.
In the brief programme, Clarkson talked about the long journey he’s taken since he first visited one of basketball’s most legendary courts.
"Just staying the course, that’s what it’s about,” he said. He even gave a shoutout to Kobe Bryant, Clarkson’s teammate from his brief stint in LA. Bryant had also visited the Tenement before, and during his death, was immortalized in a hardcourt mural that made worldwide news.
“Kobe kind of took me under his wing,” said the Utah guard.
Nevertheless, there's one thing that makes him stand out from Kobe, LeBron James, and the other NBA players who've visited the tenement.
"“This is kind of where it started at. We came here the first time I visited here, now I’m just continuing my visits. Every NBA player comes here. They’re not from here — I am," he said.
Clarkson praises Gilas teammates
On early Friday morning (Philippine time), with the Philippines bowing to Lebanon 85-81, Clarkson topscored for Gilas with 27 points. But at Tenement, he also praised the youngsters on the team, with a special shoutout to Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, and Dwight Ramos.
“Seeing Kai Sotto, Carl, you know those guys right there, Dwight, they’re just talented players,” he said.
There’s no doubt in his mind that they’ll be ready for the World Cup tilt next year.
“360 days. We got some time to prepare and get ready for all of that."
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