Filipino-American NBA star Jordan Clarkson hopes to wear the Philippine national team jersey again in the FIBA World Cup if Gilas Pilipinas secures a spot in the tournament.
In an interview, Clarkson said representing the Philippines is also a way for him to honor the memory of his late grandmother.
“Another World Cup is coming up, and I want to be there,” Clarkson said.
Clarkson previously played for Gilas Pilipinas at the 2018 Asian Games and the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
With more Filipino-American players now making their mark in the NBA, including Jalen Green and Dylan Harper, Clarkson said he hopes to see more players with Filipino heritage represent the national team.
“There haven’t been so many Filipino Americans in the league, and Filipinos, period. So knowing that I get to represent that and kind of change the narrative in any way that I can, that’s what I’m trying to do,” he said.
Gilas Pilipinas is set to return to action in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in November
