Gilas will begin their China games without some of their stars.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is not letting go of hope to see Jordan Clarkson train with Gilas Pilipinas as the national team flies to China to take part in a pocket tournament where they will play against Iran and Senegal.
Gilas team manager Butch Antonio told News5 that they are "working with the Clarkson group to get to China by August 8." The mini tournament, however, will have concluded by that date, which points to the possibility that Gilas is looking at staying in the China after the tilt to pursue their training.
This comes despite coach Chot Reyes’ admission that the Utah Jazz guard will not be joining the team in China and will instead arrive in the Philippines on August 8. The veteran head coach disclosed the development to reporters on Tuesday prior to their flight to China.
Another player who did not join Gilas in its trip is big man Kai Sotto, who is still nursing a back injury. Reyes also refused to comment on the big man's status, deferring the questions to the SBP brass.
With just a few weeks left before the FIBA World Cup, Gilas is in scramble mode to ensure that the team will have the best lineup possible and ample preparations for the global hoops summit.
Gilas will play their first game in the FIBA World Cup on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan as they face the Dominican Republic.
(GM)