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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Jordan Clarkson all praises for fellow Filipino-American Dylan Harper

Jordan Clarkson all praises for fellow Filipino-American Dylan Harper

Published Jun 3, 2026 02:26 pm

At A Glance

  • And this year's Finals brings a meaningful storyline for this basketball-crazed nation with Jordan Clarkson and Dylan Harper battling it out to also become the first-ever Filipino-blooded player to hoist an NBA championship.
Knicks' Jordan Clarkson, right, shows some love to fellow Filipino-American Dylan Harper of Spurs. (AP)
Knicks' Jordan Clarkson, right, shows some love to fellow Filipino-American Dylan Harper of Spurs. (AP)
Excitement grows louder as the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks dispute the NBA crown in a best-of-seven series that promises intense action and high-stakes drama.
And this year’s Finals brings a meaningful storyline for this basketball-crazed nation with Jordan Clarkson and Dylan Harper battling it out to also become the first-ever Filipino-blooded player to hoist an NBA championship.
Ahead of their thrilling Game 1 clash on Thursday, June 4 (Philippine time), veteran guard Clarkson, who played his high school years in San Antonio, expressed his delight that he and Harper are set to bring joy and pride for Filipino fans around the world.
“Another amazing thing that's happening right now. Definitely inspiring to the Filipino-Americans and Filipinos all around the country. It's definitely going to be fun to watch,” said Clarkson NBA Finals press conference Wednesday, June 3 (Philippine time).
Clarkson, 33, heaped praises on the 20-year-old Harper for his poise and maturity throughout the season, noting he has been impressed by the young guard’s composure in high-pressure moments despite his age.
“He's been really good throughout the whole year. I've been watching him. Keeping up with him as well, him being so young, having so much poise throughout this whole playoffs,” said the sweet-shooting guard for the Knicks.
“It's a great sight to see a young star coming in this league and doing what he's doing,” he added. “Like you said, one of us two taking a championship back home to the Philippines and representing that well.”
Playing in his 12th NBA season, Clarkson, a Gilas Pilipinas standout, enters his second Finals appearance after earning his first title shot alongside LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018.
Spearheaded by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, Clarkson and Co. seek to reclaim the title it last won in 1973.
Harper, on the other hand, dives into his finals debut with Victor Wembanyama as they try to bring the Spurs back to the Promised Land after missing out for the past decade. The last time they ruled the NBA was in the 2014 edition where young Kawhi Leonard helped the iconic core of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili.

Related Tags

NBA Finals Jordan Clarkson New York Knicks Dylan Harper San Antonio Spurs
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