Jordan Clarkson joining Gilas? 'Don't get carried away yet,' says coach

Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson attended Gilas Pilipinas practice on Wednesday night, leaving fans excited about the prospect of seeing him playing for the flag at the FIBA Asia Championship in September.

He is part of the 24-man pool submitted by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), but it remains to be seen whether he can represent the country as matters of his eligibility are still being ironed out.

Gilas coach Tab Baldwin warned against pinning too much hope on Clarkson wearing the country's colors soon, as they still have to wait for FIBA to process hiss documents.

"I think the most important thing is not to get carried away with right now, with whether Jordan's gonna play or not. We don't know," he told reporters after practice wrapped up in Meralco Gym, Pasig City.

Nonetheless, Baldwin said that his mere presence and interest to join the national team is already huge for Gilas.

"It was great to see him. I'm like every Gilas fan when I see a player of his caliber walk in the gym, it's exciting," he said about the rising NBA star.

"There's nobody with a gun to Jordan's head - he wants to play for the Philippines. That's about an exciting announcement as there could be," the coach added.

Wearing a white Pilipinas uniform with jersey number six and his name at the back, Clarkson did some light shooting as Gilas members executed defensive drills.

He also mingled with the team, chatting with veterans Gary David, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, and assistant coach Alex Compton. - JST, GMA News