A player of Clarkson's calibre should be fine.
Gilas Pilipinas have always held a tradition of taking half-court shots at the end of every practice, with the winner set to receive a cash prize. On Tuesday night, Jordan Clarkson won the shootout.
After easily making the shot from Steph Curry country, the Utah Jazz star celebrated with the team and handed the prize to one of the utility staff present at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Clarkson looked relaxed and comfortable with the Filipino cagers he is leading in the FIBA World Cup, which unfurls on August 25 in Manila.
Minutes after the open practice, Gilas coach Chot Reyes shared to members of the media that there are still some little things the Fil-American gunner needs to work on.
“In understanding each other, they already know each other, they already played with each other in the past, but like I said it’s just the little things, the little counters, the little tweaks that come with playing a long time together, ‘yun na lang talaga,” Reyes said.
But so far, things are looking up for Clarkson and Gilas, which is now down to 13 players present in Tuesday's open practice. Thirdy Ravena, Calvin Oftana, and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. were all missing in action.
“But in terms of understanding the offense, understanding each other and what we want to do, it’s not his first time naman with us, that’s been a lot smoother, that’s been going very smooth so far,” he said.
“Not to say that there are no challenges and difficulties, there are still quite a lot and because we know the other teams are going to key on him defensively so we have to be ready for that.”
Reyes and Gilas hope they would get those fixed in time for the opening match against Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic on Friday at the Philippine Arena.
Before all that, expect the national squad to name the final 12 very soon.
(GM)