Jordan Clarkson paid tribute to outgoing Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes after the latter announced that he would be leaving his post now that the host nation’s campaign in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is over.
The Utah Jazz star’s 34-point performance helped Gilas overcome China 96-75 in Group M of the classification stage of the tournament, ending Reyes’ tenure on a winning note.
“I could start off with just one word—respect.
“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, like he said, for his family and for the country as well,” said Clarkson. “He’s done a good job of rallying all of us in the short time that we’ve been together, trying to get stuff in as quickly as possible. I have super respect for him.”
Clarkson has long been in Reyes’ radar, even before he was in the NBA.
Reyes had already been keeping tabs on him when he was still with Tulsa and, later on, Missouri as he wanted Clarkson, Jason Brickman, and Stephen Holt to pledge their allegiance to the Philippine federation.
“I’ve been talking to him since I was young,” recalled Clarkson.
“We’ve been waiting for an opportunity to get together, play games, and do this for a while. All I have is respect for him.”
Last year, the two finally got a chance to work together during Window 5 of the World Cup Qualifiers.
And it was a no-brainer that Clarkson would come back to Reyes’ arms for the biggest basketball tournament the country will ever host.
Though the mission failed, Clarkson still respects Reyes and his decision to move away from Gilas.
“I tip my hat off to him if that’s his decision at the end of the day, but it’s all love.”
