TOP brass of Gilas Pilipinas played down the absence of Jordan Clarkson in its friendly against Mexico, stressing there is nothing to worry about ahead of the team’s opening game in the FIBA World Cup against Dominican Republic.
Team manager Butch Antonio allayed fears about the 31-year-old Clarkson’s condition after he sat out the closed-door tune up against the world’s no. 31 ranked team on Monday night at the Philsports Arena.
The Philippines lost the game, 84-77.
“He just needed a rest,” said team manager Butch Antonio afterwards. “Nothing like that. He really just wanted to rest.”
The naturalized player from the Utah Jazz had been playing and training non-stop for Gilas since arriving in the country two weeks ago.
According to Antonio, Clarkson requested for a break before the Mexico game after playing the entire first half and the early part of the third period of Gilas’ 102-87 loss against the tall Montenegro quintet Sunday night.
He finished the game with a high of 27 points in 29 minutes of action.
READ: Without Clarkson, Gilas loses to Mexico in final tuneup
But Clarkson is ready to go, assured coach Chot Reyes.
“Kailangan niya lang ng pahinga,” added the Gilas mentor.
The Philippines will meet Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic for its opening match in the World Cup this Friday at the Philippine Arena.

Gilas then plays Angola on the 27th before ending the first round of the group phase by meeting no. 10 Italy on the 29th.
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