Lakers select Fil-Am point guard in NBA draft

MANILA, Philippines – The Los Angeles Lakers selected a Filipino-American in the 2014 NBA Draft on Friday.

Using the 46th pick they acquired from the Washington Wizards, the Lakers selected Missouri’s 6’5” Jordan Clarkson, who has a Filipino mother.

According to NBA.com, Clarkson was named Second Team All-SEC by the coaches in his lone season with the Missouri Tigers.

Clarkson, who spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Tulsa, ranked among NCAA leaders in both free throws made (72nd) and percentage (101st), as well as field goals (51st) in 2013-14.

NBA.com Philippines’ Bernard Pagusara described the 22-year-old as “a valuable asset on the running game” as he averaged 18.4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists while shooting 46 percent from the floor. 

“He is not only a talented individual, he is also highly ranked. As of this time, Clarkson is 10th among shooting guards projected for the NBA draft,” Pagusara said in his report.

He also cited that Clarkson averaged 20 points in a five-game stretch from late November to early December 2013.

Just recently, the Lakers also invited former National University (NU) standout Ray Parks Jr., son of legendary PBA import Bobby Parks, to join their workout at the Toyota Sports Center.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com




 

NFL prospect admits he is gay

An American football player who starred for the University of Missouri has revealed that he is gay, and may potentially become the first openly gay player to play in the National Football League.

Michael Sam, a 24-year-old defensive lineman who won the Defensive Player of the Year award in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference, revealed to the New York Times that he was gay.

“I knew that I was gay. And I knew that I was Michael Sam, who’s a Mizzou football player who happens to be gay,” he said.

Sam’s teammates already knew his sexual orientation, having come out to them a year ago during a team-building exercise.

“Once I became official to my teammates, I knew who I was,” he said. “I was so proud of myself, and I just didn’t care who knew. If someone on the street would have asked me, ‘Hey Mike, I heard you were gay, is that true?’ I would have said yes.”

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Sam is expected to be chosen in the early rounds of the NFL Draft in May, potentially in the third round. He said he understand that his decision to come out ahead of the NFL Draft will potentially have an impact on his stock with NFL teams.

“I’m not naïve. I know this is a huge deal, and I know how important this is. But my role as of right now is to train for the combine and play in the NFL,” Sam said.

If he is drafted, Sam will become the first openly gay football player in the NFL.

In a statement, the NFL said they “admire Michael’s honesty and courage.”

“Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014,” the league said.

Last year, NBA veteran Jason Collins announced that he was gay in an essay for Sports Illustrated. A free agent, he has not been signed by any team this season.

Another athlete, soccer player Robbie Rogers, also came out after retirement, although he has since returned to playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com