Clarkson, Fall Short On His Gilas Debut

Philippines – Jordan Clarkson is a Filipino-American NBA Player who is currently playing for Cleveland Cavaliers as a point guard and shooting guard. He was a late addition to the Gilas Pilipinas team roster after the National Basketball Association (NBA) change their decision to allow Clarkson to play in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia and as part of the Gilas Pilipnas basketball team. 


Due to the late consideration of the NBA Clarkson failed to join Gilas Pilipinas in their first game against Kazakhstan but despite with no Clarkson the team convincingly dominated Kazakhstan that lead into blown out game 96 – 59 favoring the Filipino’s.

On their next game Clarkson finally debuted as part of Gilas Pilipinas starting five, he shows impressive performance hitting basket easily as expected for an NBA Player but despite of it the super team China dominated the first 3 quarters not until the Philippines manage to come back in the 4th and final quarter behind Clarkson heroic several clutch 3’s and his teammates to finally take the lead.

Gilas had a slim 3 point lead in the final minute of the regulation but failed to hang on until china regain the lead with 13.2 seconds to go 82 – 80. Gilas point guard Paul Lee unfortunately missed the one that matter most the game winning 3’s that lead to Gilas loss to China 82 – 80.

Jordan Clarkson finished the game with 28 points in a losing effort on his debut game with Gilas Pilipinas Basketball team.