Despite being drafted just nine months ago, Clarkson already has plenty of that support. Born to a Filipino mother, Annette Davis, Clarkson is grateful for the people that his heritage has brought him close to, whether it’s through social media or in person.
“In Detroit, there was a big group that came to watch us play against Detroit,” he said. “They had a Filipino Heritage Night. I got to speak with them, take pictures, all that stuff. It’s crazy. I didn’t know it was going to be that much support from a fan base like that. But I’ve been learning about how basketball culture is over there. It’s great.”
For his part, Clarkson is making the most of his platform. Though he is ineligible to play for the Philippines national team due to a FIBA rule that mandates players acquire dual citizenship before they turn 16, Clarkson is looking to secure an exemption so he could play for Gilas Pilipinas.
“It definitely would mean a lot,” he said. “It’s just one of those things you want to do, like how I want to make my city proud and make that country proud as well.”
The 22-year-old also wants to make his first trip to the Philippines this summer. He hasn’t yet worked out the details for his visit, but Clarkson looks forward to seeing his mother’s home country.
“I haven’t been there yet,” Clarkson said. “But I’ve heard it’s a great place to go and experience everything — especially to see the basketball culture. I’ve heard they have outside courts that are nicer than some of the indoor courts and stuff like that. It’s going to be a blessing to go over there.”
Apparently Nate Robinson is 1/8 Filipino.
http://www.nba.com/lakers/150305_clarksonphilippines
