Clarkson was accompanied by his mentor Tim Fuller after practicing with Gilas Pilipinas players who are scheduled to compete in the FIB Asia companionship which takes place from September 23 to October 3 in Changsha, China.
The Fil-Am point guard of the L.A. Lakers is being groomed by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for possible inclusion in the Gilas Pilipinas team that will compete in the FIBA Asia Championship.
Clarkson and Fuller were delighted to have met with Pacquiao and to play chess with the eight-division world champion in his Makati residence..
“Awesome, it’s an honor meeting, shaking hands and talking with him, a respected and adored sports personality all over the world,” Clarkson, who turned 23 lat June 7, told Phlboxing’s Eddie Alinea.
“Amazing,” Fuller for his part, exclaimed. “he’s an internationally acclaimed person, not only in sports and this occasion, certainly, is a rare privilege for me, ” he added.
“He’s (Pacquiao) also very good in chess,” the 2015 NBA All-Rookie First Team member and Rookie of the Month honoree said of Pacquiao as a chess player. “I like him more though as a boxer.”
Clarkson, 23, whose mother Annette, hails from Angeles, Pampanga in the Philippines is one of the promising players of the NBA and is now on his second year as member of the L.A. Lakers NBA team. Read more:
Pacquiao thanked the visiting NBA sophomore for his desire to help the Philippine team in the FIBA Asia Champonship games.