FIBA: Clarkson has well wishes for Gilas

Clarkson is in the original 19-man Gilas team for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China and naturally, the plan was for him to pair up with Andray Blatche to form a deadly 1-2 combo. (PSC file photo from Asian Games)

Gilas Pilipinas is moving on from Jordan Clarkson.

Clarkson is in the original 19-man Gilas team for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China and naturally, the plan was for him to pair up with Andray Blatche to form a deadly 1-2 combo.

However, the Philippines is sticking to Blatche as its guy for the naturalized player spot and Jordan, who is Fil-American but not counted as a local by FIBA, is once again left in the dust.

“I have utmost respect for coach Guiao and confident he knows what’s best moving forward,” Jordan’s father Mike Clarkson said in a statement via Steve Angeles of ABS-CBN News’ North American bureau.

“As you’re aware, Jordan’s worked extremely hard to stay prepared for the ‘call of duty,’” he added.

Despite being in the 19-man lineup Clarkson didn’t practice once with Gilas in preparation for the World Cup.

Even if he’s somehow cleared to play, inserting him to the final team at the last minute would probably do more harm than good at this point.

“He isn’t a selfish player and wouldn’t want to be a disruption to the team,” Mike Clarkson said of his son.

“Team chemistry is paramount when competing against the best players in the world.  Unfortunately, without adequate practice time, their rhythm can be adversely affected,” the elder Clarkson added.

Gilas starts World Cup play on Aug. 31 against Italy and the Clarksons are looking forward to a great tournament by the national team even of they’re not directly included this time.

“The Gilas are a very talented group and play well together. I’m looking forward to watching them go to work. The entire Clarkson family will be there in spirit rooting for them to come out victorious,” Clarkson said.

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