JORDAN Clarkson isn’t giving up the fight as the Gilas Pilipinas star is determined to finally capture that elusive win in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Being relegated to the classification phase hasn’t dampened the spirit of Clarkson one bit and the NBA player believes a win is in sight following the three games where Gilas Pilipinas suffered losses in Group A, all decided by 10 points or less.
See NBA G League MVP stands in Gilas' way in classification phase
“I think we competed,” said Clarkson. “I think we competed in all three games. Came out there, gave our best efforts, trying to figure out this games and get wins.”
Clarkson averaged 24 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over the three group stage games, but it wasn’t enough. Gilas Pilipinas is now set to face the bottom two teams of Group B.
But what Clarkson likes is that the Philippines has always been in the game, even last Tuesday against Italy, the 10th ranked basketball team in the world.
The classification phase will begin on Thursday where a spot for Asia in the 2024 Paris Olympics is still within reach. Japan had a win in the first round but was also relegated to the classification.
“We are super motivated. From the beginning, we have been motivated. Team is strong. We are fighting. We ain’t giving up throughout the game. Basketball is a game of missed shots and ups and downs. What happens if we string together runs and we go out there, competing, and fighting till the end.”
“We haven’t felt like we’ve been out in any games. We fighting, we strong mentally, and we are going to put together and try to get these two. We know what it means. We know what it means to the country. We are going to leave it all out on the floor,” said the Utah Jazz cager.
“We have to come out here and put it all together, competing, and win. That’s what we want to do. We are not coming out here trying to lose,” said Clarkson.
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