Gilas Pilipinas’ head coach, Chot Reyes, remains unworried about Jordan Clarkson’s readiness for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, even though the NBA star did not participate in their final preparations.
Reyes said in an interview on Noli Eala’s Power & Play that the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year has assured him of his preparedness to lead the nationals.
“Okay siya, he has accepted it. He knows what we want from him, and I think he’s up for the challenge,” said Reyes.
“Number one, nag uusap kami, we’ve been in constant communication. We’re talking about our offense, our concepts, our plans, and what his role is going to be.”
Reyes said he received assurance that Clarkson is in good shape and that he has been working on his skills.
“I think the number one thing that I can expect is that he’s in basketball shape,” said the Gilas tactician.
The Utah Jazz star was supposed to join the team in China on August 6, but failed to do so due to visa issues.
Clarkson would instead meet the team when they return to the country on August 8.
“He was supposed to come here [in China] to join us. Except may problema siya sa visa, so dederetso na lang siya, magkikita-kita na lang kami sa Manila on August 8,” Reyes revealed.
Reyes is also optimistic that Clarkson will be able to integrate himself into the system.
“The good thing is he’s not coming in cold. He’s been with us before. Obviously, he still has to familiarize himself with some players na ngayon lang niya makakalaro, but like I said, he is a world-class NBA player, so hopefully those concerns can be laid to rest,” he said.
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