The NBA star was ultimately chosen as Gilas’s naturalized player over PBA super import Justin Brownlee and big man Ange Kouame.
Jordan Clarkson is set to arrive in Manila on August 8. From there, he’s going to train with Gilas Pilipinas to try and familiarize himself with the system, as well as with some of his new teammates.
Keep in mind, the FIBA World Cup is about to begin as it tips off on the 25th. Time is of the essence thus, going off to a flying start would be ideal for the Utah Jazz gunner and the national team.
Taking on the massive role of being Gilas’ reinforcement and main man under a tight schedule is a daunting task, to say the least. Luckily for the Philippine contingent, the 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee appears to be ready for the huge undertaking ahead.
“We’ve been exchanging thoughts and ideas, and OK siya. [Clarkson] has accepted it. He knows what we want from him,” Gilas coach Chot Reyes told One PH’s Power & Play.
A lot of things will be asked of the NBA veteran once he dons the Gilas blue. He will be expected to be the squad’s top scorer, he will be tasked to play point guard, and of course, he will have to be a leader out on the court. The Gilas drillmaster is confident that Clarkson will rise to the occasion.
“I think he’s up for the challenge,” Reyes claimed.
“The way he sounds, alam mo naman ‘yun di ba? You can tell if a person is engaged kapag kausap mo,” he added.
Clarkson and Gilas must come coalesce before their first game in FIBA’s flagship event, wherein they’ll face the Dominican Republic, led by NBA All-Star big man Karl Anthony-Towns.
(GM)