Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
    View Today
    Sun, Nov 5

    Jordan Clarkson arrives as Gilas buildup finally picks up steam

    JC arrival coincides with a morale-boosting Gilas campaign in China pocket tournament
    Aug 8, 2023
    jordan clarkson airport gilas pilipinas fiba world cup
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

    JORDAN Clarkson arrived early Tuesday morning to join a Gilas Pilipinas team that is finally showing signs of progress, exactly 17 days before the 2023 World Cup co-host plays its first game against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena.

    The eight-year NBA veteran from the Utah Jazz was mobbed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 when he arrived in an early-morning flight from Los Angeles before being whisked off by security and SBP officials.

    READ: Gilas caps China campaign with repeat win over Iran

    The Fil-Am guard's arrival coincides with Gilas' first significant breakthrough since the pool was put together months ago - a 3-1 campaign in a China pocket tournament capped by a 63-48 repeat win over an Iran team on Monday night.

    Now the team and its prized naturalized player reunite in Manila to put the final touches to its preparations for three games - Italy and Angola are the others in its group - that Gilas hopes would lead to a longshot spot in the knockout rounds, or perhaps the Olympic spot reserved for Asia's top finisher.

    MORE FROM SPIN
    MORE FROM SPIN

      "Think we got a good chance," Clarkson told mediamen who waited for him in ambush at the airport.

      WATCH:

      Clarkson, who last played for Gilas in the World Cup qualifiers early in the year, was supposed to be the final piece in what was imagined as the best Philippine national team ever assembled.

      ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

      However, such was not the case as Kai Sotto, the 7-foot-3 center, remains unsigned amid contentious negotiations between his camp and the SBP.

      READ: Is Gilas ready to move on without Kai Sotto?

      With or without Sotto, Gilas and Clarkson are set to play two more tune-up games back home against Mexico and Montenegro or any other World Cup team willing to spar with the tournament co-host.

      jordan clarkson airport gilas pilipinas fiba world cup

      CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓
      Watch Now

      jordan clarkson airport gilas pilipinas fiba world cup

      SEE ALSO
      SEE ALSO

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

      Read Next
      Watch Now
      Sorry, no results found for
      PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
    • POLL

      • Quiz

        Quiz Result