Jordan Clarkson: ‘My heart is with my Gilas brothers in China’

MANILA, Philippines – Fil-Am Los Angeles Laker guard Jordan Clarkson sent out his full support to Gilas Pilipinas from halfway across the world.

(LIVE BLOG: Gilas vs China – 2015 FIBA Asia Finals) 

Clarkson posted a message on his Twitter account Saturday, October 3 just hours before the Philippine national men’s basketball team is set to make one final stand in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship gold medal round against Asian powerhouse and host China.

#PusoPride #message @lettrs #lettrs #Gilas #onewinfromrio http://t.co/GkAm00YBhE pic.twitter.com/R9aTgSRGtc

— Jordan Clarkson (@JClark5on) October 3, 2015

The 23-year old Clarkson gave Filipinos brief thrills when the tiniest possibility of him playing for the national team emerged in August.

While Clarkson and the Philippine basketball federation submitted necessary papers to FIBA for eligibility approval, the second year Laker could not commit to the full FIBA Asia schedule as he was required to be back in the US by September 28 for the mandatory media day and Lakers’ training camp. (READ: Jordan Clarkson commits to Gilas program through 2024)

The FIBA Asia tourney tipped off on September 23.

Though not with the team physically, Clarkson, who participated in Gilas practice in Manila and joined the team in Taiwan for the William Jones Cup, is with his Gilas brothers in spirit as they try to win the gold and the outright Olympics berth Saturday night at 8:30 pm. – Rappler.com