In an intriguing twist leading up to the highly anticipated Fiba World Cup, coach Chot Reyes remains undecided between Justin Brownlee and Jordan Clarkson as the naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas. Contrary to popular belief, Reyes made it clear that no player, including Brownlee and Clarkson, has a guaranteed spot on the team.
During an interview with One News’ The Big Story, Reyes emphasized the absence of any definitive decision, stating, “We still have not made the decision, like I said, nobody has a lock on any slot. It is a real and honest statement, not even Justin or Jordan.” He further highlighted that economic considerations would also factor into the final selection process.
Both Brownlee and Clarkson have showcased their abilities and made strong cases for leading Gilas in the World Cup. Brownlee notably played a pivotal role in helping Gilas secure the gold medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. On the other hand, Clarkson’s remarkable performance in the qualifiers, where he propelled the Philippines to an 84-46 victory over Saudi Arabia, solidified his position as a valuable contender. With 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists, the Utah Jazz star demonstrated his undeniable skills. Moreover, Clarkson previously contributed to Gilas’ fifth-place finish in the 2018 Asian Games under the guidance of coach Yeng Guiao.
Fortunately for Gilas, scheduling conflicts will not hinder their preparations as other tournaments will make way for the quadrennial showcase in August.
“One big obstacle that we’ve always wrestled with in the past is the schedule of games in the PBA, Japan, or Korea. That obstacle is going to be cleared now because every other tournament in the world is going on pause for the World Cup,” Reyes said.
As the global competition approaches, Reyes revealed the coaching staff’s plan to form a pool of 16 to 18 players from which the final 12 will be selected. This approach ensures a thorough evaluation and careful consideration of the players’ performances before the ultimate decision is made.
Gilas finds themselves grouped with the Dominican Republic, Italy, and Angola in the tournament, adding to the anticipation and challenges that lie ahead for the Philippine national basketball team.
