''Hope to see you guys in China!'' - Jordan Clarkson

MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Cleveland Cavalier Jordan Clarkson joined the millions of Filipino basketball fans who rejoiced when the Philippines successfully qualified to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.

The Filipino-American NBA player expressed his elation in an Instagram post after Team Pilipinas notched wins over Qatar and Kazakhstan in the final window of the Asian Qualifiers.

"Congrats to my bros and the country," he wrote. "Such an honor for the country qualifying for the World Cup. So hyped. Hope to see you guys in China!!!"

 
In the post, Clarkson used a photo of his playing in the Philippines kit at the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Clarkson led the Philippines to finish at fifth place in that tournament, averaging 26.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.0 steal while shooting 46.0% from the field and 39.0% from beyond the arc.

Not surprisingly, many Filipinos have also expressed their desire to see Clarkson return to the national team and play at the World Cup in China later this year.

 
(cover photo credit: Adrian Portugal/Rappler Philippines)

FIBA