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| Jordan Clarkson's budding career could entice more Filipinos to take the NBA route according to Ganon Baker. Ivan Saldajeno (file photo |
MUNTINLUPA--Ganon Baker thinks the budding career of Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson could spark a "Filipino revolution" in the US-based NBA.
In the press conference of his upcoming basketball camp at Vivere Hotel on Sunday, Baker said, "Jordan Clarkson will pave the way for more Filipinos [to join the NBA] 'coz he's had success playing on one of the most popular teams in the NBA."
On what Clarkson needs to improve to sustain his blossoming NBA game, Baker answered, "He needs to develop more point guard skills--decision making, slowing it down--more consistency on his three-point shots, and be dominant defensively."
On what Clarkson needs to improve to sustain his blossoming NBA game, Baker answered, "He needs to develop more point guard skills--decision making, slowing it down--more consistency on his three-point shots, and be dominant defensively."
Meanwhile, Baker also believes height remains a major concern for Filipinos who want to succeed in America's top flight cagefest.
"[Many Filipino players'] height might deter scouts from accepting, recruiting, and drafting them," he explained.
On the other hand, Baker was impressed on how Gilas Pilipinas fared against China in the FIBA Asia Championship final despite their lack of ceiling that proved vital in that game.
[Related Story: Gilas settles for silver as China wins FIBA Asia final]
"I like their intensity and fast pace against China," he evaluated Gilas' performance.
For Filipinos who want to be in the NBA, Baker advised, "Get more Filipino all-star teams to travel and learn. Get out here very good and go to America in college. You gotta do better in FIBA play. You gotta get to the Olympics."
Baker also said that he is open to train Filipino players who have been tagged by some as "NBA-worthy".
Ray-Ray Parks finished his stint with the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, while Mighty Sports' Kiefer Ravena was seen training with Portland Trailblazer Dame Lillard.
Also, Kobe Paras could get a good shot at making the NBA through his commitment to US NCAA powerhouse UCLA.
Meanwhile, 13-year-old Kai Sotto, the reigning Jr. NBA Philippines MVP, can also make a case for an NBA stint in the future.
The 6-foot-9 Ateneo juniors team rookie was seen being trained by seniors team coach and Gilas gaffer Tab Baldwin while juggling time between the FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup and City Hoops among other high school preseason tourneys.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
"[Many Filipino players'] height might deter scouts from accepting, recruiting, and drafting them," he explained.
On the other hand, Baker was impressed on how Gilas Pilipinas fared against China in the FIBA Asia Championship final despite their lack of ceiling that proved vital in that game.
[Related Story: Gilas settles for silver as China wins FIBA Asia final]
"I like their intensity and fast pace against China," he evaluated Gilas' performance.
For Filipinos who want to be in the NBA, Baker advised, "Get more Filipino all-star teams to travel and learn. Get out here very good and go to America in college. You gotta do better in FIBA play. You gotta get to the Olympics."
Baker also said that he is open to train Filipino players who have been tagged by some as "NBA-worthy".
Ray-Ray Parks finished his stint with the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, while Mighty Sports' Kiefer Ravena was seen training with Portland Trailblazer Dame Lillard.
Also, Kobe Paras could get a good shot at making the NBA through his commitment to US NCAA powerhouse UCLA.
Meanwhile, 13-year-old Kai Sotto, the reigning Jr. NBA Philippines MVP, can also make a case for an NBA stint in the future.
The 6-foot-9 Ateneo juniors team rookie was seen being trained by seniors team coach and Gilas gaffer Tab Baldwin while juggling time between the FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup and City Hoops among other high school preseason tourneys.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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