Gilas officials in talks with Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson FIBA PHOTO 

With Gilas Pilipinas set to hold camp and series of scrimmage games in Europe, the next step is to get Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson on board as the team looks forward to working with 2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year in preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila this August.

Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio said he’s currently holding dialogue with Clarkson’s handlers as they try to iron out some specific details.

“We are currently talking with his (Clarkson) group. We’re fixing details,” Antonio told The Manila Times on Saturday.

While Gilas coach Chot Reyes has said in previous interviews that no one among the national pool is considered a shoo-in, everyone believes it would be difficult for the national team to compete head on with its FIBA World Cup group mates without the sweet-shooting Clarkson.

The 30-year-old Clarkson averaged 25 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists during his two-game stint with Gilas in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers fourth window versus Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

Antonio declined to share further details on whether Clarkson would be able to join the national team in its European trip some time in June or not, pending talks with the NBA star’s handlers.

On Friday, PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas, in his desire to see Gilas come up with a solid showing before hometown fans, suggested that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas appeal to the FIBA to consider Justin Brownlee as a local player, citing the special residency rule.

The amiable PBA chair believes Gilas reinforced by Brownlee and Clarkson as naturalized player, would be “beautiful to scenario.”

The Philippines is bracketed in Group A along with world no. 10 Italy, Dominican Republic and Angola.

Vargas, along with the rest of the key officials of the 12-member teams are currently in Paris, France for a three-day PBA board planning session along with league commissioner Willie Marcial.