Gilas Pilipinas left for Beirut a little past midnight Tuesday to battle Lebanon in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The Filipinos are overflowing with talent.

Composing the squad are Gilas mainstays Dwight Ramos, Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, Kai Sotto Ray Parks and Carl Tamayo as well as Philippine Basketball Association standouts Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Roosevelt Adams, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana and Scottie Thompson.

Kai Sotto was also there together with Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson.

Wait, who — Clarkson?

Yes, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas was successful in bringing in a legitimate National Basketball Association campaigner in Clarkson to serve as naturalized player for Gilas, who are looking to redeem their shattered pride in the international stage.

We don't know the exact figure, but the federation definitely broke the bank in hiring Clarkson.

Aside from paying his salary for a two-week tour of duty, the SBP also covered his accommodation, allowance, and insurance just in case something happens to him that will jeopardize the remainder of his contract with the Jazz.

Just so you know, Clarkson is entering the third year of his four-year, $50-million deal. He is set to earn around $162,195 per game in the upcoming NBA season, which means that his time, effort, and of course, body at this stage of his career are very valuable.

Sideliners told me that when Clarkson campaigned for Gilas in the 18th Asian Games four years ago, he banked in P30 million. If that's the case, he definitely commanded north of that amount in his second stint for the Philippines.

But do we really need Clarkson against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia?

On the court — no need.

But from a marketing perspective — definitely.