JAKARTA – The cramps that Jordan Clarkson suffered in the China game on Tuesday is no longer a concern for the Philippine men’s basketball team.
Head coach Yeng Guiao said Clarkson is in tiptop shape following a lengthy preparation for the game against Korea in the basketball quarterfinals of the 2018 Asian Games on Monday at the GBK Basketball Hall.
“Wala na ‘yun kasi bigla lang, siyempre ‘yung competitive basketball is different from practice,” said Guiao. “Magbabatak ka. Nung binatak niya sarili niya, nag-cramps siya.”
Clarkson had 28 points against China, but spent time a cucial stretch on the bench after he suffered cramps in the fourth quarter.
“That’s nothing serious,” said Guiao.
Guiao said Clarkson made full use of the break to familiarize even more with his teammates and the system that the head coach is implementing. Clarkson is even spotted in practices doing extra shooting during breaks.
“I feel he is better. I feel that he is more comfortable with his teammates. I feel he is more comfortable with the international style of play. He picks up very well so sabi ko, tataas na efficiency niya from the China game to the Korea game.”
“I think ang makikita natin diyan, maybe he has better cohesion, better chemistry with his teammates, and better efficiency in terms of percentages,” Guiao said.
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