Cleveland's Clarkson ready to hold court

JAKARTA - Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson watched from the bench, not quite able to make it to the Asian Games in time to play in the opening game for the Philippines.

Yao Ming was there, too, also keeping a close eye on the Philippines' opening 96-59 win over Kazakhstan.

After getting a special exemption from the NBA to play for the Philippines in Jakarta, the US-born Clarkson should be ready to suit up for the next game against China. And that has the attention of ex-Houston Rockets and All-Star center Yao, who in his role as chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association has implemented a series of wide-ranging reforms to try to boost his national team's performances.