Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2023 FIBA World Cup

Jordan Clarkson on what PH basketball is: ‘Dribble drive’


Jordan Clarkson has had a total of six caps for Gilas Pilipinas.

In his first four appearances, the prolific 6-foot-4 Filipino-American guard was only able to join the national team in Jakarta, Indonesia for the 2018 Asian Games.

It was only a brief stint and he was not able to fully immerse himself to Yeng Guiao’s system due to a lack of prep time for the continental meet. Still, he put up numbers of 26.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game.

But in his second stint in Gilas, he was able to get the full experience under Chot Reyes.

Besides being able to train with the team at Meralco Gym, he was able to play a road and a home game. In Window 4 of the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers, he averaged 25.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds.

So what does Clarkson think of Philippine basketball now? Well, he described it in three words.2023-FIBA-World-Cup-Asian-Qualifiers-Gilas-vs-Saudi-Arabia-Jordan-Clarkson-6 Jordan Clarkson on what PH basketball is: 'Dribble drive' 2023 FIBA World Cup Basketball Gilas Pilipinas News  - philippine sports news

“I would say, fast, dribble drive, open floor.”

First off, this batch of Gilas had a bevy of lanky wings and quick guards. Moreover, the only legit big men were Kai Sotto, Japeth Aguilar, and Carl Tamayo — bigs who either rely on their athleticism or finesse.

Against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, Gilas averaged 24.5 fastbreak points — including 29 against the Cedars. And this batch likes to pass a lot, averaging 18.0 dimes in the two games.

“If you look at our team, we are versatile with Kai and Japeth playing in those big situations but everybody is able to handle the ball, everybody is able to make plays, we all trust each other going to the room. For everything, we are all skilled enough to handle and get us into place,” continued the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

#ReadMore  Emma Malabuyo's Olympic dream comes true

And it’s the style Clarkson and Chot Reyes want to see come the 2023 FIBA World Cup — an uptempo team that is positionless.

“We were able to test the versatility of the teams,” said Reyes. “Sometimes, we go big when we have Kai and Japeth together. Sometimes, we go regular or we go small when we don’t have a real four guy.

“That’s important moving forward and we become shapeshifters on what the game brings and what the opposition gives us.”

Written By




You May Also Like

Basketball

San Miguel no longer allowed its fate to lie on anybody else, finishing strongly to beat a woeful TNT, 98-92, and even things out...

Basketball

TNT got fortunate enough in the endgame and escaped San Miguel, 99-96, to take Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals,...

Basketball

AJ Edu is ready to step up and take on a bigger role in the frontcourt as Gilas Pilipinas continues to deal with injuries...

Basketball

Don’t even bother throwing any ‘asa sa import’ jab at Chot Reyes and TNT. No one from the Tropang 5G is giving much thought...

Basketball

Tim Cone believes fatigue will be Gilas Pilipinas’ biggest challenge as the national team ramps up preparations for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 this...

Basketball

Kevin Quiambao’s return to Gilas Pilipinas remains uncertain as he continues his pursuit of an NBA opportunity, currently working out for five teams in...

Basketball

A new era begins for Gilas Pilipinas. German sportswear adidas has unveiled the new set of jerseys for the Philippine national basketball teams on...

Basketball

Eager to make up for lost time, Rhenz Abando is more than willing to do whatever it takes for another shot at glory with...

Advertisement