By Tennie Sumague
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK (Eagle News) – The Cleveland Cavaliers coming to the Big Apple always creates a frenzy. In the middle of all of the excitement is usually LeBron James, with the media seizing every opportunity to ask him all sorts of questions – from the playoffs, to his comments on New York Knicks rookie, Frank Ntilikina earlier in the season, to social injustice issues, to being “the King” in his playground – Madison Square Garden. But what about the Cavs reserve guard, Jordan Clarkson? Who is Jordan Clarkson?
After spending nearly four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Clarkson was sent to the Cavs as part of the Isaiah Thomas trade on the NBA trade deadline back in February.
Clarkson came off the bench with 16 points in his team’s 123-109 victory over the Knicks Monday night. What basketball fans may not know is that the 25-year old Clarkson is part-Filipino. The Tampa, Florida born guard shared his excitement on playing at Madison Square Garden, the upcoming playoffs, how he embraces his Filipino heritage, what Kobe Bryant and LeBron taught him as a player, and his thoughts on if it’s really more fun in the Philippines.
Q: Every player’s dream is to play at Madison Square Garden. What do you love about playing at the Garden?
Clarkson: There’s a lot of energy here. A lot of personalities and celebrities come and support the games. That’s why there’s a lot of great energy [because] you always want to put on a show.
Q: Up next after the regular season are the playoffs. What are you most excited about?
Clarkson: I just want to go out there and have fun. Just trying to win. That’s all.
Q: Basketball in the Philippines is what soccer is to Latin America and what hockey is to Canada – a popular “religion.” What are you most proud of as someone who is Filipino especially with the way the NBA is embraced there?
Clarkson: It’s so great! I feel a lot of support every time I step on the court. Being there [in the Philippines], I see the basketball clothes, kids playing [on the courts] without shoes. They love basketball [and] they love hoops. I try to go over there during the off-season and I hope to be back there more.
Q: In your NBA career, you are privileged to have played with both Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. What has both players taught you that you apply in both your physical and mental game?
Clarkson: They’ve taught me everything; the small insights and things to look out for in [every] game. Being around two great minds, two great players is awesome.
Q: Lastly, what do you love about the Philippines? Do you agree with the hashtag #itsmorefuninthePhilippines?
Clarkson: (Laughs) The food. Love the people and being there. It is fun and I have a good time when I am there. So, yeah, it is more fun.
(Eagle News Service)
