Filipino-American NBA guard Jordan Clarkson gave an early Christmas present to two Filipino frontliners by spending time with them in a special episode of NBA Philippines' Republika Huddle.
The Utah Jazz star was able to have quick chat with avid NBA fans CD Lastimosa, a teacher, and Dr. Jelvin Co, a radiologist.
Host Nikko Ramos pretended having a technical difficulty as an "unknown guest" entered the video conference.
To their surprise, Lastimosa and Co were all smiles as Clarkson expressed his gratitude for the two fronliners in doing their jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic and the past calamities Filipino people had survived the past 12 months.
"You're the real heroes, to be honest with you," said the 28-year-old Clarkson. "You guys keep this thing movin' and what you guys do is harder that putting a ball in the basket, going out, and entertaining. You guys are right there seeing everything and making a change, a difference.
"Continue to just inspire and do great things. Biggest thing is I just wanna thank you guys."
Aside from the surprise chat with Clarkson, Lastimosa and Co also received gift packages from the NBA Store.
Clarkson signed the biggest contract of his NBA career late last month with a four-year extension worth $52 million to remain with the Jazz.
Last season, the Fil-Am guard averaged 15.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 41 games with Utah and has been instrumental during their run in the first round of the NBA Western Conference playoffs.