MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes has yet to decide on who among Jordan Clarkson or Justin Brownlee is to serve as the naturalized player for the 2023 FIBA World Cup slated from August.
According to Reyes, he is open to all options on the naturalized player after both Clarkson and Brownlee made good impressions during their stints with the national men’s basketball team during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“We have not arrived at any decision on who will be the naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas yet,” Reyes said. “Even Jordan is not assured of a spot with Gilas as all players will have to fight for their places.”
Brownlee, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings’ resident import, made a huge impact for Gilas Pilipinas in the two games against Lebanon and Jordan, where he averaged 29 points in the two games.
The six-time PBA champion had a 41-point explosion during the national men’s basketball team’s close 91-90 defeat to Lebanon, in a game where Gilas trailed by as much as 25 points in the first half.
Clarkson, Utah Jazz’s starting guard in the NBA, had 27 points in Gilas’ 85-81 loss to Lebanon and tallied 23 markers in national team’s 84-46 domination of Saudi Arabia in the Asian Qualifier’s fourth window in August, 2022.
“With Justin’s performance, there’s little to say. You all saw how effective he is and how well he played. He has made himself available to whatever is required by the team,” Reyes said.
“If we need someone to play in specific tournaments, someone to play as a back-up for Jordan Clarkson, he is willing to play that role,” added the TNT Tropang Giga active consultant.
Reyes, however, said he is hoping that Brownlee and Clarkson will be able to play together with Clarkson playing as a local and Brownlee as naturalized player.
“I believe in miracles,” said Reyes. “If there is a miracle, that’s the best situation for us. But for now, we are planning as if it’s a no. Right now, it’s a no. We have to plan accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Filipino basketball fans will have a chance to witness the FIBA World Cup 2023 matches live as the country co-host the basketball event for the first time since 1978.
According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, FIBA World Cup’s global partner Smart will be raffling game tickets to its subscribers to watch the games live in the venues.
“This is really for the supporters of the game. We are thrilled to be part of the team that brings everyone closer to where it all happens. This is the best time to be a subscriber,” Panlilio said./PN
