Jordan Clarkson finally achieved his Gilas dream in 2018 when he suited up for Gilas Pilipinas for the Asian Games.
And the 6-foot-4 combo guard had a memorable run during the continental meet. He averaged 26.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.7 turnovers per game, while shooting 46-percent from the field and 39-percent from three.
For Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, it set a precedent for things to come for the Filipino-American.
“In his short and sweet stint with Gilas Pilipinas, Jordan Clarkson showed us not only his world-class talent, but also gave us a glimpse of the hard work and dedication necessary to get to that level,” said Panlilio, who was in Jakarta for the event.
“Getting a front-row look at Jordan during the Asian Games made us all believers that he will accomplish great things in the NBA.”
Three years after suiting up for Gilas, Clarkson saw himself voted as the NBA’s top 6th Man of the Year.
Clarkson, who re-signed with Utah late last ear, was a man on a mission for the 2020-21 NBA Season as he wanted to win the award.
He posted a career-high 18.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 26.7 minutes in 68 games — with only one start.
He saw his efforts rewarded by 65 first-place votes. Clarkson also earned 407 total points from a global panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters, becoming the first player to win the annual award with the Jazz.
And the federation feels very proud of the milestone Clarkson hit, believing that there is more to come.
“Congratulations on winning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, Jordan. The SBP and the entire Philippine basketball community is proud of you,” he said.
“Once Gilas, always Gilas.”
