JORDAN Clarkson looked back at time many years ago when he first discussed with Chot Reyes the possibility of seeing action for the Philippines.
Now the 31-year-old Utah Jazz guard pays tribute to the veteran coach who is stepping down as Gilas Pilipinas coach after the team went 1-4 in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
See COLUMN: No more Chot to bash, but don't be too sure
“Just start off with one word – respect,” said Clarkson. “Like he said, he didn’t apply for this job. He didn’t do that. He got chosen. He’s put everything on the line for his family and for the country as well.”
“I’ve been talking to him since I’ve been young. We’ve been waiting for an opportunity here to get together and playing games. All I’ve got is respect for him. Tip my hat for him if that’s his decision. But it’s all love,” said Clarkson, who has been communicating with Reyes way before his debut with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2018 Asian Games.
Reyes said his decision to step away was communicated with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio and vice chairman Ricky Vargas before Gilas Pilipinas’ match against China on Saturday.
In that game, the Philippines was able to capture the win amidst the criticisms on Reyes over the course of the tournament.
Although he only had a total of seven caps with Reyes as Gilas Pilipinas head coach, including the September 2022 window of the World Cup qualifiers, Clarkson respected the former national team mentor’s approach during the preparations and the games.
“He has done a good job of rallying all of us in the short times that we’ve been together, try to get stuff in as quick as possible. I just got super respect for him,” said Clarkson.
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