Gilas starts training with JC
THE Philippine men’s basketball team finally trained with Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson on Wednesday, a little over a day since he arrived from the US.
Gilas Pilipinas practiced behind closed doors in the first official practice with Clarkson, who takes the spot for a naturalized citizen on the national team for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Aside from Clarkson and Sotto, also present were
Back in training after tune-up games in China were June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez and Chris Newsome with AJ Edu, Ray Parks Jr., Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Thirdy Ravena and Rhenz Abando.
Scottie Thompson remains out due to an injured hand, while Kai Sotto attended the practice, joining the shooting drills.
Kai Sotto update
JAPAN B.League player Kai Sotto, who skipped Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up matches in Guandong, has yet to join national team scrimmages but did some shooting with the bigs.
Sotto’s camp said on Wednesday "doctors don't clear him 'till tomorrow."
The 7-foot-3 Sotto aggravated a back injury while seeing action for the Orlando Magic Summer League team.
PBA support
THE PBA reaffirmed its commitment to support the Philippine team beyond the Fiba Basketball World Cup tipping off on Aug. 25.
The will only start its new season after the team’s participation in the Asian Games.
Commissioner Willie Marcial also said players will be made available, although the roster has to be discussed as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas focuses on the world meet.
“Hindi ko alam kung sinong player ang gagamitin nila doon, kung ‘yun pa rin Gilas na maglalaro sa World Cup o bago. Pero kung ano ang kailangan ni coach Chot, tutulungan po ng PBA,” said Marcial.
The Fiba Basketball World Cup also offers slots to the Olympics and Marcial said the PBA will continue to support the national team if it qualifies for Paris 2024.
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