Aug 22, 2022

Mikey, CJ, Jayson, Ross get special shout-out from Clarkson

FOUR players caught the attention of Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson when he had a frontseat view of the PBA finals between TNT and San Miguel on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 30-year-old NBA player mentioned the likes of Jayson Castro, CJ Perez, and Chris Ross among those who he had taken interest as he watched action in Asia's pioneering pro league live for the very first time.

Later on, he also added the name of Mikey Williams in the list, saying he's a 'big fan' and the TNT sophomore guard 'got game' in a post in his twitter account.

"It's amazing seeing Castro, Perez, Ross. Everybody just having a good time hooping," said Clarkson in a short TV interview.

"This is big time. Finals. I'm just happy to be here."

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Clarkson arrived at the Big Dome with his entourage that included his father Mike, at around the second quarter of the game amid wild cheers from the crowd of 8,458.

He just practiced for the second straight game with Gilas Pilipinas at the Meralco gym prior to watching the series opener.

At halftime, he had a little chat with TNT team owner Manny V. Pangilinan, who is also chairman emeritus of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), and SBP president Al S. Panlilio at the sideline, and engaged San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sports director Alfrancis Chua in a tight hug.

Clarkson likewise shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with San Miguel players June Mar Fajardo, Ross, and Simon Enciso, as well as TNT guard Matt Ganuelas-Rosser.

He and his group left the venue with 7:48 to go and the reigning champion ahead, 79-69.

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But the Tropang Giga needed a game-winning jumper by Castro at the buzzer to pull off the thrilling 86-84 victory.

Clarkson will be suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. (RG)