CLEVELAND Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson hit the jackpot after earning millions of pesos in his four-game stint with Team Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games last month in Jakarta, Indonesia.
At least three PBA teams split the P72 million spent to bring the Filipino-American guard aboard the national men’s basketball team, a source told Buzzer Beater.
“Parang nagsisi nga si boss (team owner of one of the PBA teams that lent players for the Asiad) dahil napagastos sila ng todo-todo sa pagkuha kay Clarkson,” said an employee of one of the PBA teams.
“Naghati sila ng dalawa pang PBA teams na nagpahiram ng players sa Asian Games sa gastos. Hindi naman siyempre lahat napunta iyon kay Jordan, meron din sigurong napunta sa NBA kaya sila pumayag at doon din sa team niya,” the source added.
But the amount spent by the three PBA owners was worth it, as Clarkson delivered the expected numbers from him even if the hastily formed Philippine team failed to clinch the Asian Games basketball championship.
“Kuntento naman ang bossing kasi malaki naman ang naitulong ni Jordan. Nakapag-fifth place pa nga sila kahit na madalian lang binuo iyong team. Pero iyon nga, mabigat,” the source said.
GRATEFUL ASI
NLEX Road Warriors center Asi Taulava was thankful to have another call-up to play for Team Philippines during the second round of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifier last week.
The 45-year-old slotman said he was glad to be tapped anew by head coach Yeng Guiao after returning to the national team for the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia last month.
Taulava, who was part of the national men’s basketball team for 16 years, added that his now-developed 3-point shooting might be the reason for another Team Philippines stint.
“I don’t know what to expect anymore. I thought after the Asian Games I’m done but coach maybe saw something in me? I don’t know. I guess me making the long balls is helping out his system,” Taulava said.
“I’m just doing what coach wants me to do. I can’t say no to him. This guy developed a new arsenal for me – something that I did not have 18 years ago,” added the one-time PBA MVP.
“I’m doing what coach Yeng Guiao wants me to do and it’s for flag and country,” said the Filipino-Tongan big man, who had to compete for minutes with the likes of Japeth Aguilar, John Paul Erram, Raymond Almazan, Ian Sangalang, Christian Standhardinger, and Beau Belga.
Taulava, in his national team return after two years, had 3 points on 1-of-3 3-point shooting in over five minutes of play in Team Philippines’ 73-81 loss to Iran. He also had 3 points in their 92-81 win over Qatar./PN
