GILAS Pilipinas didn’t have a hard time integrating naturalized player Jordan Clarkson in the scheme of things of the national team.
Aside from previously suiting up for the country during the fourth window of last year’s FIBA World Cup qualifiers, theUtah Jazz star is a heck of a talent who can adjust in just so short a time, according to Gilas deputy Tim Cone.
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Never mind if he arrived in the country with only about two weeks left before the quadrennial showcase officially kicks off on Aug. 25.
“Well, he’s Jordan. He’s JC. He picks up everything quickly and easily,” said Cone of Clarkson. “I think a lot of NBA players have dropped out of their country’s teams, but Jordan has not. And I think that’s a blessing for us.”
Clarkson just attended three closed-door practices so far since arriving, in which Gilas worked on its offense and later, with its defense.
But he came in just like one of the boys, said Cone.
“He came in and just seems to be like one of the guys. And that’s what you really want,” said Cone of the 31-year-old Clarkson.
“He came in hugging everybody, high-fiving everybody, so I think it’s really cool,” added the national team deputy about Clarkson’s first few days with the team.
Clarkson’s arrival obviously created an upbeat atmosphere within the team, an ambiance which Cone said certainly augurs well for Gilas moving forward to its campaign in the World Cup.
“I think it’s really cool that he has shown his commitment to us,” said the Barangay Ginebra mentor. “Hopefully, we can get them all simulated.”
Gilas Pilipinas kicks off its World Cup bid on opening day against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
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