JORDAN Clarkson could have added star power to the Asian qualifiers of the FIBA World Cup fourth window had he returned to Gilas Pilipinas.
In his absence, it was fellow NBA players Rui Hachimura of Japan and China’s Yang Hansen who have so far emerged as the top attractions in the second round of the qualifiers that kicked off in the region this weekend.
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The 28-year-old Hachimura, now with the LA Clippers, exploded for 29 points behind an efficient 11-of-14 shooting from the field including 3-of-4 from three-point range as Akatsuki Japan whipped Saudi Arabia, 106-78, at the Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
It was the first game back for the 6-foot-8 forward representing his country since the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hachimura had a fellow NBA player sharing the spotlight with him in the Japan national team as 5-foot-7 point guard Yuki Kawamura also suited up against Saudi Arabia, delivering a game-high nine assists while adding four points.
The 25-year-old Kawamura previously suited up for the Memphis Grizzlies and the Chicago Bulls.
Meanwhile in Al Janoub Stadium in Doha, Qatar, the 7-foot-1 Hansen of the Portland Trailblazers powered his way for 15 points and nine rebounds in the Red Dragons’ 83-57 beating of the host country.
The 34-year-old Clarkson could have been among the NBA players competing in the Asian qualifiers had Gilas Pilipinas managed to reserve a roster spot for him in the fourth window.
The Philippine team was banking on old hand Justin Brownlee to suit up for Gilas starting this second round, but health issues kept the 38-year-old resident import of Barangay Ginebra out in the window.
Clarkson, who just won an NBA championship with the New York Knicks, last played for Gilas in the Asian qualifiers of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where the Philippines was given an outright spot as one of the three host countries.
The Fil-Am guard from Tampa, Florida made his debut in the qualifiers in Beirut, Lebanon in a close 85-81 Gilas loss to the host team despite dropping 27 points.
Clarkson later played his maiden game in Philippine soil against Saudi Arabia at the Mall of Asia Arena, running away with 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists as the Filipinos routed the visitors, 84-46.
Victories by both Japan and China moved them up in the Group F standings.
Akitsuki Japan raised its record at 5-2 behind leader Lebanon (6-1), while Team Dragon improved to 4-3 at third place.
The Cedars whipped South Korea, 93-74, at Zouk Mikael in Lebanon also on Thursday.
The Sokors went down to a 3-4 record in a tie with Saudi Arabia at the bottom of the group.
Qatar also has a 4-3 record like China, but is already assured of a spot in the World Cup as host of the quadrennial showcase.
The top three teams in each group along with the fourth best-placed squad will represent the Asian region in the so-called Olympics of basketball in 2027.
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