Jordan Clarkson commits to Gilas program through 2024

Jane Bracher

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Jordan Clarkson commits to Gilas program through 2024
The Fil-Am Lakers guard also expresses desire to be involved with the basketball program long term

MANILA, Philippines – Jordan Clarkson offered assurance he is “all in” for the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball program.

(READ AND VOTE: Build your Gilas Pilipinas dream team)

The Fil-Am Los Angeles Laker gave his guarantee to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas or SBP in Taiwan, multiple reports said Tuesday, September 1.

“Those were his words, he’s all in,” SBP vice chairman Ricky Vargas relayed Clarkson’s commitment in a report by Dodo Catacutan of Spin.ph.

Reports also said the 23-year old further assured the Philippine basketball federation that he intends to be part of the Gilas program until 2024 or until he is 32 years old.

“He’s not in the Philippines to play basketball as a mercenary. His commitment is beyond basketball, he wants to impart his self-discipline, his concern for winning,” Vargas was quoted as saying in a report by Musong Castillo of Inquirer.net.

Clarkson is currently with the national men’s basketball team in Taiwan to offer his support as they compete in the 2015 William Jones Cup as part of a build-up to the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship from September 23 to October 3 in Changsha, Hunan, China.

The SBP is working to have Clarkson join the team for the continental championship and have already submitted the eligibility requirements to FIBA and are still awaiting approval. (READ: Is Jordan Clarkson eligible for Gilas? SBP says he is)

Vargas and last season’s PBA chairman Pato Gregorio will reportedly meet with the Lakers and Clarkson’s father in Los Angeles to discuss Clarkson’s availability for Gilas as well as offer assurance to his pro team and his family.

“Our talk with the father is to reassure him that, from the time that he (Jordan) has not signed the contract to the time that he does, and if he gets injured while with Gilas, we will assure them that during period that he will be properly taken cared of,” Vargas explained the situation in another report from Inquirer.net.

Clarkson’s father Mike previously said his son won’t play for the Philippines due to bad timing as Jordan prepares for his second season with the Lakers. The NBA season begins this October.

But the younger Clarkson, who was already named to the Gilas pool, has since clarified he has spoken with his father and will further discuss his participation with Gilas when he returns to the US. Clarkson will reportedly fly back home on Thursday, September 3.

Despite the uncertainty of his situation with Gilas, Clarkson displayed his desire to play for his mother’s homeland by participating in the team’s practice session during his second visit in Manila last Wednesday, August 26.

(WATCH: Jordan Clarkson practices with Gilas Pilipinas for first time)

Gilas players as well as head coach Tab Baldwin expressed excitement and hope with Clarkson’s presence in training. – Rappler.com

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