The last few days have been excruciating for Gilas Pilipinas, Filipino fans, and Jordan Clarkson himself.
Last Friday, the four-year NBA pro was named to the lineup for the Gilas team that will compete in the 2018 Asian Games. Though he’d gotten clearance from the Olympic Council of Asia and the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee, the NBA barred the 6-foot-5 Filipino-American from playing, citing that the Asiad is not part of the agreement between the league and FIBA.
Less than 48 hours before the Philippines takes on Kazakhstan on Thursday, the NBA suddenly had a change of heart.
Clarkson quickly jumped on the next flight out of Los Angeles, California to head to Singapore, before arriving in Indonesia on Thursday.
And the 26-year-old told TJ Manotoc of ABS-CBN that he is incredibly thankful to everyone who made this happen, as his dream of playing for his motherland has come to fruition.
“It’s been a roller-coaster for us. We were supposed to leave two days ago, but we leaving now. To be here, to be able to support and play, I’m excited,” he expressed.
“Shout-out to the NBA, for sure!” he quipped. “Shout-out to the Cavs. Everybody for giving me this opportunity to play.”
Clarkson’s responsibility will not just be with the Men’s National Basketball Team, though. Apart from his Gilas debu, he will also be tasked as the Philippines’ flag-bearer for the opening ceremony, set to be held on Saturday, August 18 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadiumm, joining the likes of bowler Paeng Nepomuceno and equestrian Mikee Cojuangco.
And it’s a responsibility which Clarkson holds close to heart.
“It’s great, just to get the opportunity to represent the country and bring the flag. It’s going to be amazing,” shared Clarkson, whose mother Annette Davis is of Filipino decent.
“I’m just excited for this whole experience.”
After so many heartbreaking moments where he missed a chance to don the country’s colors, Clarkson can’t wait to finally fulfill his dreams.
“Ready to represent, ready to play. That’s what I’m coming for.”
