Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson was disappointed upon learning that he won’t be able to suit up for the Philippine National team, but said the 12 men picked by coach Tab Baldwin “have earned the right” to represent the tricolor flag.
Read: SBP announces Gilas 3.0 final lineup
“I’m very disappointed I won’t be able to play with the Gilas National Team during the FIBA Asia Championship,” Clarkson said in a statement on Wednesday (September 9).
“We can all agree, the 12 men selected to represent the Philippines in this 2015 FIBA Asia Championship have earned the right and any continued efforts on my part would not be fair to the team.”
The Los Angeles Lakers guard added he will still support the team the entire way.
Related: No Jordan Clarkson in Gilas 3.0 final lineup
“I will cheer them onto the gold. Let’s get to Rio!” the NBA All-Rookie team member added.
When he returned to the U.S., Clarkson said he talked to his father and Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak about donning the Gilas Pilipinas jersey.
“Upon my return from supporting Gilas in the Jones Cup, I had a great talk with my dad. I told him of my experiences with the team and how passionate I was about representing an entire country. My dad told me to follow my heart,” he said.
“I spoke to Lakers General Manager, Mitch Kupchak, and he shared the same sentiments about representing an entire country and supported my decision either way.”
Related: Clarkson gets green light from Lakers to play for Gilas
The 6-5 guard also thanked his Filipino fans, most of whom are Lakers supporters, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“The Filipino fans are some of the most passionate in the world and many of them are Lakers supporters. I want to sincerely thank all of the fans who sent me letters of encouragement during these last three months about GIlas,” he said.
“I’d like to say thank you for all the people that worked diligently in an attempt to make a dream become a reality.”
