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SALT LAKE CITY — It's rare when a reporter's question is more notable than the response. Such was the case during Jordan Clarkson's All-Star media availability in February.
A Filipino reporter asked the Jazz swingman the following question: "How does it feel knowing so many people would die for you in the Philippines?"
That is some kind of question.
Yes, there was a lot of hyperbole in the query (right?!), but there's some truth in it, too. Clarkson is absolutely adored in the Philippines. His mother hails from the Asian country, and Clarkson has made that heritage part of his life.
He's made trips to explore where his family came from and has suited up for the Gilas Pilipinas, the county's national team. In a country that loves basketball, he's become their very own NBA star and a beloved icon that is an endless source of national pride.
Over the upcoming weeks, he has a chance to make those people love him even more (if that's even possible). Clarkson will lead Gilas Pilipinas as one of the hosts in the FIBA World Cup that will tipoff early Friday morning for those in Utah. Indonesia and Japan are also hosts to the 32-team tournament.
"Playing for your country means a lot," Clarkson said. "Just being able to represent it, go out there and compete ... just to see the love. In the Philippines, basketball is like the No. 1 thing."
And that makes Clarkson a Filipino national hero. Or as Jazz teammate Simone Fontecchio — whose Italy squad will play Clarkson and the Philippines during group stage play — put it, a "legend" and a "rock star."
"Around here, he's like a legend, a rock star," Fontecchio said. "I can't wait to see him on the court to see all the people who are gonna cheer for him. I know the Philippines is a huge fan of him."
As a host, Clarkson thinks Gilas Pilipinas has a puncher's chance in the tournament that will also feature Jazz players Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Kelly Olynyk (Canada) and Walker Kessler (USA), along with Fontecchio.
"I think we've got the chance to do some things," Clarkson told reporters. "Seeing the love people have for basketball there, I wouldn't be surprised if every game is sold out. It's going to be really loud there, and everybody is going to feel that love and support when you walk around the city, while playing games."
No one will feel it more than him.
Philippines group play schedule
- Friday, August 25 vs. Dominican Republic, 6 a.m. MDT
- Sunday, August 27 vs. Angola, 6 a.m. MDT
- Tuesday, August 29 vs. Italy, 6 a.m. MDT
Lauri Markkanen, Finland
Markkanen is coming off a breakout season with the Jazz. It was around this time last year that he was putting Europe on notice with a star-making showing during EuroBasket. He used that as a springboard for an All-Star season.
"I've always thought that FIBA basketball has been a great launching pad to reach a new level — take the confidence to another level," Markkanen told Olympics.com. "But, obviously, that's not the main thing we're doing here. We're not here to just build confidence or anything like that. We're trying to win games and go far in the tournament."
Markkanen's Finland squad does face a tough task to make it to the knockout rounds. Group E is considered the toughest of the groups.
Finland group play schedule
- Friday, Aug. 25 vs. Australia, 2 a.m. MDT
- Sunday, Aug 27 vs. Japan, 6:10 a.m. MDT
- Tuesday, August 29 vs. Germany, 1:30 a.m. MDT
Walker Kessler, USA
Kessler is a good man to have around a locker room. He's funny, lighthearted and has a way of brightening up any situation. And, well, that might be his biggest role for the United States at the World Cup. Kessler averaged a team low in minutes during the USA's prep games for the tournament.
Still, if the Americans need a defensive center down the line, he could be called upon.
USA group play schedule
- Saturday, August 26 vs. New Zealand, 6:40 a.m. MDT
- Monday, August 28 vs. Greece, 6:40 a.m. MDT
- Wednesday, August 30 vs. Jordan, 2:40 a.m. MDT
Kelly Olynyk, Canada
Olynyk is one of seven NBA players on the Canadian squad, the third most in the tournament behind Australia and the U.S. That type of talent has raised expectations and has made Canada a potential contender.
"We had a good training camp in Toronto, got over to … Germany and Spain and got some good games in," Olynyk told the Associated Press. "And then we've got over here and I think we've had a few days to adjust and acclimate.
"Obviously, it's a big time difference, long travel, so it takes your body a little while. But I think today we probably had our … best practice of maybe the summer. So we're feeling pretty confident."
Canada group play schedule
- Friday, August 25 vs. France, 7:30 a.m. MDT
- Sunday, August 27 vs. Lebanon, 3:45 a.m. MDT
- Tuesday, August 29 vs. Latvia, 7:30 a.m. MDT
Simone Fontecchio, Italy
The Italian squad blitzed through preparation play with a perfect 7-0 record. Fontecchio has been the star of the show, including his 26-point performance against Brazil Sunday. The Jazz reserve is the lone NBA player on the Italy squad, but the Italians are favored to get out of their group.
Italy group play schedule
- Friday, August 25 vs. Angola, 2 a.m. MDT
- Sunday, August 27 vs. Dominican Republic, 2 a.m. MDT
- Tuesday, August 29 vs. Philippines, 6 a.m. MDT
