They are willing to play for Gilas Pilipinas but...
There's no question that Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto expressed their commitment to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup. The question is, when are they getting together with the team?
On Friday, Gilas Pilipinas landed in Istanbul en route to their Estonia training camp, as reported by One Sports' Carlo Pamintuan. The group comprises of June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Cjay Perez, Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Dwight Ramos, Poy Erram, AJ Edu, and Rhenz Abando.
Ange Kouame will be joining Gilas in Lithuania after his graduation in Ateneo de Manila University, according to sports journalist Quinito Henson. Meanwhile, Justin Brownlee will catch up in Estonia after undergoing a "non-basketball medical procedure," according to Reyes.
What about Clarkson and Sotto?
"We actually spoke this morning," Reyes told News5's Martie Bautista on Thursday night regarding Clarkson and his father. "Still no firm, concrete commitment with regards to dates because of the situation with his contract still up in the air."
The Utah Jazz guard, hailed the 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year, is set to hit free agency after averaging 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in the recently concluded season. Clarkson though had committed at least six weeks of training ahead of the FIBA World Cup.
"I think a lot is gonna depend on the NBA draft," Reyes said.
The Jazz had selected guards Keyonte George of Baylor and Brice Sansabaugh of Ohio State in the first round.
Talks also continue with Kai Sotto, who is still working on his dream to play in the NBA.
"They're both saying they want to play. They want to play. But the question is, when can they get here?" Reyes asked.
Gilas Pilipinas will be participating in a pocket tournament with Estonia and Finland, before moving to Lithuania for a game with the U21 squad. A game against China could also be in the works.
"The important thing is we start out the process of becoming a team," Reyes said.