Jordan Clarkson is back in Manila and ready to begin training with the Philippine national team that will be competing in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The Philippines, along with Japan and Indonesia, will host the 32-nation event from August 25 to September 10.
The Utah Jazz star, who arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1 early Tuesday, is expected to participate in the practices once Gilas Pilipinas, which is currently playing in an invitational tournament in China, returns to the country.
“I think we got a good chance to do some things - to win some games,” Clarkson told reporters upon his arrival.
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— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) August 7, 2023
Jordan Clarkson is finally in Manila to join the Gilas Pilipinas training.
— SBP (@officialSBPinc) August 7, 2023
🎥 : Martie Bautista of News5 pic.twitter.com/1B1FG0vgoj
Clarkson last played for the Philippines in the Asian qualifiers last year. In two games, he averaged 25 points (on 45 percent shooting), 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists for Gilas.
Gilas will need a huge boost from Clarkson as they take on Dominican Republic, Italy, and Angola in the group stage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Clarkson is coming off his best statistical year in the NBA after averaging 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists for the Jazz in the 2022-23 season.
