Jordan Clarkson practices with the Gilas Pilipinas squad as he awaits to hear his fate with FIBA and the Philippine national team
MANILA, Philippines – Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson wasn’t announced to do anything more than observe Gilas Pilipinas practice on Tuesday, August 27 at Meralco Gym in Pasig City, but team organizers had a number 6 jersey waiting for him just in case he wanted to do something more.
The Filipino-American Clarkson donned a white practice jersey and ran some light drills with the Philippine national team, which is working its way into rhythm ahead of the Williams Jones Cup, which begins Saturday in Taiwan.
Clarkson took jumpshots, performed 2×2 drills and talked with members of the team.
The 23-year-old NBA sophomore from San Antonio, Tex. was named to the Philippines’ 24-man pool for the FIBA Asia Championship, which begins September 23 in China. Clarkson has yet to be approved by FIBA to play as a “natural born” player for the Philippines.
Also making an appearance at practice was Marc Pingris, the Star Hotshots forward and Gilas veteran who had begged off from the national team for various reasons before changing his mind. Pingris missed the team’s 0-3 stint at the 2015 Toyota Four Nations Cup in Estonia.
Ranidel De Ocampo returned to practice as well after missing the Estonia pocket tournament with a hamstring injury.
Pingris scores a basket as #Gilas learns an offensive set pic.twitter.com/HX7Fb5E4CI
— Jane Bracher (@janebracher) August 26, 2015Other names on the list include Filipino-Tongan Moala Tautuaa, who was selected first overall by Talk ’N Text in the 2015 PBA Draft on Sunday, plus No. 2 pick Troy Rosario, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Dondon Hontiveros, Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, JC Intal, Aldrech Ramos, Asi Taulava, Terrence Romeo, Andray Blatche, Marcio Lassiter, Jimmy Alapag, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, Ranidel De Ocampo, June Mar Fajardo, Paul Lee, Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr and LA Tenorio. – Rappler.com
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