Second round NBA draft pick Jordan Clarkson gave a nod to his Filipino heritage in a recent interview, reports ABS CBN.
“I’m a part-Filipino and I’m looking to be the first or one of the Filipino-Americans to play in the NBA. I know the country is backing me up. I hope I will be able to visit them in the future,” the 22-year-old said to Slam Online.
Clarkson was drafted by the Washington Wizards which sold the rights to Clarkson to the Los Angeles Lakers.
“We’re looking forward to getting him in Los Angeles as soon as possible,” said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. “Hopefully, he’ll participate in summer league, which starts in Las Vegas in about two weeks.”
(updated to correct Clarkson’s first name)