By Nikole Javier
Filipino-American player Jordan Clarkson has expressed his desire to get the Philippines back to the Olympics after 50 years of absence from the biggest sporting stage.
In his recent "Manila Man Ep. 4" vlog, the NBA player who suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers was delighted with the support that they received at home in their 84-46 win over Saudi Arabia at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After feeling the love from the fans, Clarkson, whose mother hails from Pampanga, has set one goal in mind: bring Gilas back to the Olympics.
“Manila (has) been lit. They packed the stadium out tonight. That was crazy, the energy was crazy. Do I have big dunks? Just the start of something new for us, start of something good. Hopefully, we’ll be back for the World Cup, prepare for that and you know, get ready for the Olympics. We’ll be there sooner or later. That’s the goal,” said Clarkson.
The last time the Philippines made an appearance in Olympic basketball was in 1972 in Munich, Germany.
In 2015, Gilas Pilipinas got close to returning to the Olympics after its runner-up finish against China in the FIBA Asia Championship.
The Gilas crew had another opportunity to qualify for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo after New Zealand’s withdrawal, giving way for the team to play in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Unfortunately, the nationals suffered a 94-67 loss to Dominican Republic.