Gilas players excited to play with Jordan Clarkson

MANILA, Philippines -- Gilas Pilipinas big man Asi Taulava and youthful guard Terrence Romeo said the entire pool is thrilled with the news that Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson can possibly play for the national team.

Taulava, the 42-year-old evergreen NLEX slotman, believes Clarkson’s presence alone can make Gilas a team to reckon with, especially since he could team up with naturalized player Andray Blatche.

“Jordan can be a big plus for us if he can play for Gilas and play along side Dray,” Taulava told Philstar.com Tuesday.

The Fil-Tongan center said nobody told them about Clarkson’s possible inclusion in the Gilas team until they arrive in Manila on Monday night, following the national squad’s winless stint in the 2015 Toyota Four Nations Cup in Estonia.

“We didn’t hear about Jordan until we got here (in Manila). And we’re all smiling because he will definitely be a great addition if we have him,” he added.

Taulava cited that the possible entry of Clarkson could give Gilas the additional weapon it needed as the Filipinos make the big push to win the Fiba-Asia men’s championships in Changsa-Hunan, China next month.

A win would guarantee the country’s return to the Olympic scene for the first time since the 1972 Munich Games in Germany.

“With him (Clarkson) around, we can have another weapon aside from Terrence, Dray and Jayson (Castro),” said Taulava.

“We can have a versatile guy, who can score, can attack the rim and make good reads on offense,” he added.

On the other hand, Romeo said he’s also excited to play alongside the 6-foot-7 Clarkson, who earned the NBA All-Rookie First Team as a freshman last season.

“Ako excited na makalaro siya. Napapanuod ko na siya sa NBA at marami siyang madadala sa team, gaya nung athleticism niya saka yung passing niya,” noted the 5-foot-11 Romeo, who was named the Most Improved Player this past season.

Early this week, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas included Clarkson’s name in a 24-player list submitted to Fiba-Asia for the 2015 Fiba-Asia Championship.