Filipino-American NBA star Jordan Clarkson wore the Philippine’s national costume, Barong Tagalog, to serve as the country’s flagbearer during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday, August 18.
In a Facebook post of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Clarkson is seen wearing a barong while holding a Philippine flaglet.
Clarkson was the last addition to the Gilas Pilipinas squad after getting a late approval from the NBA to join the Philippine team in the Asian Games.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that Cleveland Cavaliers’ Clarkson, alongside Houston Rockets’ Zhou Qi and Dallas Mavericks’ Ding Yanghuhang, will be allowed to play for their respective countries in the Asian Games.
The rule between NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) states that NBA players can only represent their home countries in the Olympics, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Continental Cup Competitions, and other qualifying tournaments, which does not include the Asian Cup.
“Due to a lack of clear communication of that agreement between the NBA and the Chinese and Philippines Basketball Federations, and after further discussions with the Federations, the NBA has agreed to provide this one-time exception,” NBA said in a statement.
Clarkson welcomed the news and extended his gratitude to the people who helped seal the approval from the NBA and pledged to do his best for the Philippines.
Despite not playing for the Philippines’ opening game against Kazakhstan, the Gilas team crushed their opponents with 96-59 win.
Clarkson will play in his debut game with the Gilas in a crucial game against China on Tuesday, August 21.
