Clarkson proud of Gilas exploits

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson left the country disappointed that he couldn’t play for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA-Asia Championship in Changsa, China.

His heart remains with the team though.

Miles and miles away from the team he practiced with for about a month, Clarkson, who is in Hawaii with the Los Angeles Lakers, said he’s proud of how Gilas has performed in Changsa and wished the team well hours before it faced powerhouse China for the gold.

“I’m 100 percent focused on my mission here in Hawaii. My body has never felt better and my mind is sharper than it’s ever been before,” said Clarkson on his Twitter account @JClark5on yesterday.

“I must admit that while I’m invested in the training camp of my sophomore season, my heart is with my Gilas brothers in China,” he added.

Clarkson was also all praises for Gilas coach Tab Baldwin.

“One win from Rio and against all odds – I applaud the job coach Baldwin has done and I join all Filipinos across the world in support of Gilas,” he said.

The sophomore Lakers guard also showed belief that the Filipinos can bring home the bacon.

“I believe we have the heart of a champion and will fight till the end. The war cry that pours from heart at this moment is simply: Laban Pilipinas (Fight Philippines),” he said.