By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Philippines count on their star player Jordan Clarkson to join the national team’s efforts in the 2023 World Cup. The Utah Jazz guard remains committed to playing for the Gilas Pilipinas in their home territory but it’s still unclear when he’ll arrive at training camp.
“They all say that he remains committed,” Philippine Basketball Association president Al Panlilio said to Sports Tribune referring to Gilas head coach Chot Reyes and Clarkson’s father Mike. “But the confirmed date of his arrival is the question.”
Clarkson signed a three-year contract extension earlier in July. He’s coming off the top season of his professional career, averaging 20.8 points, 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds while being named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Gilas are hoping that Clarkson will keep that momentum in the upcoming World Championship, especially considering that they host two of the Group Stages and the Final Phase in Manila. Ideally, they’d want their most important player to be with the team much-much earlier than late August, when the tournament starts.
“Jordan had also been asked to come in as early as possible. We want him to join us in the China friendlies series,” Reyes said. The Philippines will face Iran, Lebanon, and Senegal in China from 2 to 6 August.
There’s also the matter of whether Kai Sotto will also participate in the World Championship. The 21-year-old center is expected to join his national team unless the Orlando Magic call him to be there at training camp, according to Panlilio.
For now, the plan is that Sotto will be present in the China games.