#FIBAOQT: Clarkson's absence dampens Olympic hopes of Gilas Pilipinas

Jordan Clarkson won't play for the Philippines in the 2016 Manila OQT.(image from Rappler)

*This first appeared on my weekly column on FIBA.com.

The hearts of millions of Filipino basketball fans just got collectively broken. This after Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson of the Los Angeles Lakers was ruled out of playing for the Philippines in the upcoming 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila.

The bad news was announced by no less than Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Manny V. Pangilinan himself, who shared the unfortunate development during the official press conference for the Manila OQT.

#NBA2015 Jordan Clarkson and Co. visit Manila

A lot of people visited the NBA Store to catch a glimpse of
Horace Grant, Trey Burke and Jordan Clarkson

Filipinos love basketball and that covers local basketball plus international ball, namely the NBA. Therefore, it was not a surprise that a lot of fans flocked the NBA Store in Glorietta, Makati City to catch a glimpse of the NBA players that visited Manila. The place was packed with fans, shoppers and media personnel. 

The mascot of the Charlotte Hornets, Hugo, also shared some of the spotlight 

Retired NBA-player Horace Grant (mostly known as a member of the Chicago Bulls during the 90s), Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz and Fil-Am rookie, Jordan Clarkson of the LA Lakers visited the Philippines over the weekend. They were joined by the mascot of the Charlotte Hornets, named Hugo, plus the OKC Thunder dancers (Sorry, no pictures of the dancers). 

Hoop Nut VLog Episode 5: The One Where We Talk About Jordan Clarkson

In continuing our efforts to break new ground, Rollz and I have decided to push on with this Video Log thingy until we get tired of it or, as is more probable, until we just cannot find the time to do it anymore.

In Episode 5 of the Hoop Nut VLog, Rolly and I talk about the MVP and DPOY races in the NBA, Jordan Clarkson’s rise as a rookie, Andrew Wiggins’s wicked slam over the Stifle Tower, and the 3-peat KBL champions.