Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — National Basketball Association (NBA) point guard Jordan Clarkson is bullish about his Team Philippines’ chances in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in July.
“I think we have a really good chance. All we got to do is go out there and fight and compete,” said Clarkson who is in Manila to support Gilas Pilipinas.
“You go out there, you compete and leave it all out there on the floor and anything can happen.”
Clarkson last saw action in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, and is entering the offseason as a restricted free agent. He is unable to join Gilas because of complications in negotiations with the Lakers.
But even if Clarkson could not take part in the qualifying tournament, he will be supporting the team.
“I want to be there on the court fighting with them, but it kind of sucks what happened and I can’t be there,” said the Fil-Am cager.
“But I’ll be there for them any way I can.”
With Gilas facing off powerhouse France and a tough New Zealand five, Clarkson said the team just has to give its best, citing the Lakers’ upset victory over the Golden State Warriors as example.
“Basketball is that way, like when we beat Golden State this year,” he said.
“You go out there and compete and leave it all on the line.”
Gilas Pilipinas will tip off their FIBA OQT campaign against France on July 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
