During the lead-up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, a debate has emerged over who Gilas Pilipinas should choose as their naturalized player: Jordan Clarkson or Justin Brownlee?
The case being made for Brownlee is that he has been a consistent presence with the national team since the final window of the World Cup Qualifiers.
The resident import for Ginebra participated in the Southeast Asian Games and even during Gilas’ camp in Europe, establishing existing chemistry with the team.
But of course, Clarkson is a bona fide NBA star, making him an easy choice to be part of Gilas.
According to Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, who welcomed Clarkson to the team last Wednesday, the nine-year NBA pro has been a positive addition to the team, providing a much-needed confidence boost leading up to the global event.
(C) PWNFT
Reyes stated, “There’s definitely a renewed energy in practice. It’s not that we didn’t have highly energetic practices before – we consistently maintained high-energy, high-quality practices.
“However, with Jordan’s arrival, there’s an added layer of energy.”
Reyes shared that despite Clarkson’s status in the highest league in the world, he treats his teammates as equals and friends.
“I’m very pleased, and as I’ve mentioned before, when he’s here, he’s just one of the guys.
“He goes through everything that everyone else does. If his team loses in a certain drill and they have to do 10 push-ups as a ‘reward,’ he’ll do the same,” he revealed.
This attitude is why, as Gilas approaches the World Cup, they now have a heightened belief in their ability to perform.
Reyes emphasized, “This is a very positive sign, and we’ve always known this about Jordan. He’s never sought special treatment, and that’s why we enjoy having him around.”
