Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz has returned to Manila to join the Gilas Pilipinas national team for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Clarkson’s flight PR103 from Los Angeles landed in Manila at 5:42 a.m., where he was greeted warmly by supporters and NAIA staff.
The 2021 NBA 6th Man of the Year and his entourage arrived at the VIP lounge at 6:01 a.m. Clarkson began to exit the airport 21 minutes later, despite strict security.
“It’s fantastic, it’s incredible.” When asked how it feels to be back in Manila, Clarkson remarked, “I think we have a good chance to do some things, hopefully win some games.”
“I’m just excited to be back with the team,” he continued.
Jordan Clarkson Joins Gilas for World Cup Push
Clarkson departed in a black Van at about 6:30 a.m., dressed in a green jacket and white sneakers.
Clarkson, who just inked an extension with the Utah Jazz, previously played for Gilas in 2022 during the World Cup Qualifiers, putting up 25.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in two games.
During the 2022-2023 NBA season, the 31-year-old Filipino-American scored a career-best, averaging 20.8 points per game while also grabbing 4.0 rebounds and dishing out 4.4 assists in 61 games.
These will benefit the Gilas as they strive to be the most incredible Asian team in the World Cup, allowing them to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with Jordan Clarkson Returned in Manila.
Clarkson has 17 days to become acquainted with Gilas’ plays and teammates before the Philippines’ first game against the Dominican Republic on August 25, in which the Philippines will attempt to win and shatter the FIBA Basketball attendance record.
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