It’s a great way to calm the nerves.
NBA star and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Jordan Clarkson is set to arrive in Manila on Tuesday, August 8. He is expected to engage in a couple of weeks of intense workouts in preparation for the FIBA World Cup. Ahead of his rigorous schedule with the national team, the Utah Jazz gunner found time to do undergo a light cross-training that involved a paddle, a small ball, a table, net, and a shirtless opponent.
Yep, he was indeed seen playing ping pong with a friend of his named Erik Avagyan. On Monday afternoon, Clarkson went on Instagram and shared a post, which captured their mind-blowing exchange of furious forehands and booming backhands. Kidding aside, the two buddies were no pros. They were simply enjoying a casual game of table tennis.
That being said, the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee couldn’t hide his competitive nature as he made sure to mention that he remains undefeated at the table.
“Never lost,” Clarkson wrote as a caption.
That fire is exactly what Gilas needs from him. When JC starts practicing with the entire team, all that ping pong heat better turn into elite scoring and playmaking on the hardwood.
Meanwhile, as the nine-year NBA veteran is getting all warmed up for his trip back to the homeland, Gilas center June Mar Fajardo has been picking up the slack with the national team amid the Heywuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China.
Literally, June Mar was sweating it out like a water fountain. Through an Instagram story, the six-time PBA MVP showed how hard he’s been working by wringing his jersey, and squeezing an inordinate amount of perspiration into a bucket. The images were captured by One Sports’ Carlo Pamintuan.
Ok, it’s been fun seeing the lighter side of the two cagers. But of course, what everyone really wants is to see JC and June Mar hook up in an actual game while donning the Gilas blue.
(GM)