Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 8) — Jordan Clarkson arrived in Manila Tuesday morning, 17 days before the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The 31-year-old Utah Jazz guard is set to join Gilas Pilipinas in its final preparations for the global showpiece.
Clarkson said he is feeling upbeat about what lies ahead for Gilas as the World Cup nears.
“I think we got a good chance to do some things, hopefully we’d win some games,” he told reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
The upcoming FIBA World Cup will be Clarkson’s third tour of duty as a naturalized player for Gilas, representing the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games and the fourth window of the 2023 World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Gilas is coming off a productive overseas stint in a China pocket tournament, winning three of four games against Iran and Senegal.
Clarkson is expected to produce huge numbers for Gilas as the Philippines battles Italy, Dominican Republic, and Angola in Group A of the World Cup, which also serves as a qualifying tournament for the Paris Olympics next year.
Gilas will open its World Cup campaign against Dominican Republic on Aug. 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
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TOUCHDOWN MANILA FOR @JordanClarksons! 🇵🇭
The Filipino-American NBA star is ready to suit up and join Gilas Pilipinas in their final preparations just weeks before the 2023 FIBA World Cup | @PaulineVerzosa pic.twitter.com/qf7FyN8lPN
— CNN Philippines Sports Desk (@sportsdeskph) August 8, 2023
