REMEMBER the case of ‘Don Clarkson’ in the 2018 Asian Games?
Eight years after, the man who paved the way for NBA star Jordan Clarkson to play in his maiden stint with Gilas Pilipinas is back and trying to land another roster spot in the Philippine team out to defend the men’s basketball gold in the Asiad next month.
Don Trollano has been named part of the Gilas pool preparing for the 20th edition of the quadrennial showcase set in Nagoya, Japan.
The San Miguel wingman admitted he was actually surprised being considered for a roster spot by Tim Cone and the rest of the coaching staff.
“Hindi ko naman ini-expect na mapapasama ako. Nagulat na nga lang ako,” said Trollano upon being notified by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to attend the first practice of the national team on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.
Truth be told, Trollano has been playing well for the Beermen this year, including the PBA 50th Season-ending Governors’ Cup, that he’s a can’t-miss prospect for the Filipino side competing in the Asian Games.
The 34-year-old former Adamson standout has actually emerged as SMB's leading local scorer going to the tournament’s long break.
Trollano averaged 17.1 points. 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists to pace resident stars June Mar Fajardo (8.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) and CJ Perez (16.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) in terms of scoring.
He’s actually performing even better now than the first time he was considered for the Gilas pool by coach Yeng Guiao for the the 2018 Jakarta Asiad.
Then, Trollano was already a shoo-in as 12th man in the final roster after the NBA initially didn’t give its go-signal for Clarkson, the 6-foot-5 Fil-Am guard who recently won a championship with the New York Knicks, to see action for the Philippines.
The 6-foot-3 native of Catanduanes actually already travelled with Gilas to Indonesia when the SBP suddenly received a last-minute notice from the NBA allowing Clarkson to play.
The move bumped off Trollano in the official lineup in favor of Clarkson.
Don's take two
As a result of the last-second change, the name 'Don Clarkson' was born in reference to the combined names of the two players.
“Parang naging practice player (ako) nun kasi pinayagan si Jordan Clarkson,” recalled Trollano, while flashing that signature smile of his.
READ: 'Starstruck' Trollano insists no awkward feeling toward Clarkson
Fast forward to today, and Trollano again has a shot at playing for the national team in the coming Asiad.
And this time, 'Don Clarkson' won’t be around - or waiting around the corner.
Still, Trollano is tempering his expectations.
“Second time ba?” he said. “Ok lang naman sa akin. Basta kung tawagin ako (for Gilas) ready ako.”
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