Baldwin sees Clarkson seamless entry to Gilas dribble drive system

MANILA, Philippines -- National coach Tab Baldwin believes Los Angeles Lakers Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson’s potential entry into the Gilas Pilipinas roster would be “seamless”, mainly because of his experience playing with the best players in the NBA.

“I’ve never worked with the guy (Clarkson), but obviously, I’ve seen him play of course. He’s an all-purpose guard, who can play the point, he can play the three and he can defend all over the court,” Baldwin told reporters, shortly after concluding Gilas’ morning practice on Wednesday at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

“I think one of the strengths he has is he’s not a role player because he’s a creator. You can put the ball in his hands. And that’s why in the dribble drive, it would fairly seamless for him to come in to the dribble-drive,” he added.

But Baldwin said he doesn’t want to go ahead of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, citing that the “higher chain of command” are working on Clarkson’s eligibility issue.

The Gilas coach also stressed that getting the 6-foot-7 Laker guard to play for Gilas won’t come in easily.

“I’m just as excited as the Filipino fans about the possibility (of having Clarkson play for Gilas), but I also, as a coach, worry about bringing a guy at the last minute and the potential disruption it could cause,” he said.

Baldwin already admitted that the injury woes which hounded the national pool at the start of the training camp has affected the way they prepared for this year’s FIBA Asia men’s championships.

Kelly Williams opened the first day of Gilas training by straining his right MCL (medial collateral ligament). The injury forced him to drop out of the pool.

Ranidel de Ocampo, a veteran national player, joined the team’s practice only on Wednesday since recuperating from a hamstring injury.

Naturalized player Andray Blatche came in overweight and missed a few days of practice due to prostatitis, while Terrence Romeo skipped three practice sessions due to flu.

Even shooter Dondon Hontiveros missed practice due to calf muscle strain.

“There’s some barbs that we have to work through and anybody that’s met Jordan knows that he’s very humble, very hardworking kid,” said Baldwin.

“He obviously has a passion to be a part of Gilas and we’re thrilled about that. And all of our prayers is to make it happen and then it will happen,” he added.

“But then, we worry about the issues it will create later on. And make no mistake, it will create issues as well.”

Baldwin did not elaborate on the issues surrounding Clarkson.

But should Fiba give the green light for Clarkson to play for Gilas, Baldwin said they won’t hinder the 2015 NBA First Team All-Rookie from coming in and reinforce the national squad.

“Jordan is a young player but is experienced, being in the NBA. So obviously, we would never snub that opportunity, but it won’t be clear sailing either,” he added.

Baldwin said the Philippines is aiming for no less than the gold in the Fiba-Asia cage joust set on Sept. 23 in Changsa-Hunan, China.

The winner earns a spot in next year’s Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Gilas, which went 0-3 in Estonia, leaves on Friday to participate in the William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei.