Reyes expects Clarkson to arrive on Aug. 15 for next window

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes is expecting Jordan Clarkson to arrive on August 15 to join the national team preparation for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

The Gilas coaching staff intends to build the team around the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee although Reyes admitted that they can’t be so sure regarding Clarkson’s inclusion to the lineup until he’s actually here.

“He has made himself available. He said he can come in and practice starting August 15,” shared Reyes.

Reyes disclosed that team manager Butch Antonio along with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is already in talks with Clarkson’s camp regarding the Gilas stint.

“I know that SBP leadership, through team manager Butch Antonio, is talking to his representative, his agent, his management team to fix all the logistics to allow him to come in and play. It’s not that simple. Maraming issues involved. But that’s where we are right now. He said he made himself available. Now we are doing all we can to make it happen,” he added.

“We cannot really be a 100 percent. But right now, we are planning with him in the lineup. We are putting together a lineup with Jordan Clarkson part of the lineup,” Reyes stressed.

Gilas will be facing FIBA Asia Cup 2022 silver medalist Lebanon in Beirut on Aug. 25 before hosting Saudi Arabia on Aug. 30.

“It would be great for the Filipino people to watch Jordan play for the national team here in the Philippines.”