Fans are hoping Clarkson can lead Gilas to a better finish in this FIBA World Cup.
The long debate is now over as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas secured the services of Jordan Clarkson as Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized player for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
While fans will still likely have their debates on whether it should be Clarkson or Justin Brownlee, we’re here to give our reasons as to why JC is the right pick for Gilas in the FIBA World Cup.
1. NBA star power
Undoubtedly the top reason why Gilas would select Clarkson for its naturalized player is his NBA star power.
Clarkson will be a huge boost to Gilas, giving the team NBA-level talent who averaged 20.8 points, 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 61 games for the Utah Jazz in the previous NBA season.
Clarkson will also be one of only a few NBA stars who will grace the tournament after several players, like Nikola Jokic, announced their unavailability for the FIBA World Cup.
2. Opens up floor for other Gilas players
Given Clarkson’s immense talent, teams in Group A will likely choose to double team the 6-foot-5 guard. That should open up opportunities for other Gilas players to get buckets on offense.
Fans should look forward to seeing Clarkson work his magic on offense and dish the rock out to Gilas' shot makers, like Dwight Ramos and Kiefer Ravena, who will likely get their fair share of open looks given the attention JC will surely command from opposing defenses.
3. Can get buckets/create anytime
Should defenses try to go one-on-one against Clarkson, then the Jazz guard will likely be feasting on the court.
Case in point are the matches against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, where Clarkson showed a knack for putting points up in bunches.
Clarkson has a wide array of moves that should get Gilas buckets whenever the team gets into a rut offensively.
4. Forms lethal alley-oop threat with Kai Sotto
Here’s one thing we’ve also seen during Clarkson’s recent games with Gilas.
JC seemingly has a good connection with Kai Sotto where the two would find each other on offense.
If you’re not convinced, check out the highlights of Gilas’ game versus Lebanon.
5. Still in his prime
At 31 years old, Clarkson is at the prime of his basketball career—meaning, this will be the best time to have him for Gilas.
Fans, though, are hoping that Gilas will have Clarkson for more than just three games in the FIBA World Cup. That would take a Herculean effort, but given Clarkson's NBA pedigree, maybe there's a chance there somewhere.
(MDB)