BY ABBY TORALBA
SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio is convinced NBA standout Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz will be the difference maker in Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in FIBA World Cup.
The 6-foot-5 Clarkson, who will play as the team’s naturalized player, has been in the country since last week.
Panlilio said during the special Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum last Tuesday the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year is a team player and brings zest.
“He’s been one of the guys actually in practice, in fact, hindi iyong sa kanya lang iyong lahat ng bola, tira nang tira, hindi,” Panlilio said. “I think he’s working through the system. He’s understanding also from the offensive, defensive point of views, what coach Chot (Reyes), Tim (Cone) and coach Jong Uichico wanted the team to do.
“So, he’s one of the guys. Although, I saw one, but they said in previous practices, iba iyong NBA player. He will elevate our team. He will (bring) great contributions obviously and aside from that really, he’s an attraction to the games,” he added.
The Nationals begin their campaign against the Dominican Republic on Aug. 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.
