No Jordan Clarkson in FIBA World Cup, says Guiao

Gilas Pilipinas men head coach Yeng Guiao told media on Wednesday that Fil-American guard Jordan Clarkson will not be part of the 2019 FIBA World Cup and that they have moved on from his non-inclusion.

The Cleveland Cavalier guard was initially included in the 19-man pool submitted for the World Cup by the Philippines just in case FIBA considered him as a local player.

But Guiao said it is time to move on and work with the players that they have.

“Mukhang wala na si JC; FIBA has not indicated any changes in its original decision, so we just have to move on,” said the mentor, per Camille Naredo of ABS-CBN News Online.

Clarkson had expressed interest in playing for Gilas as early as 2015 although did not make the FIBA Asia Cup roster. He finally got to play in the 2018 Asian Games along with players like Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle.

Even without Clarkson, Gilas will have an abundance of options in the wing position, with players like CJ Perez, RR Pogoy, Robert Bolick, Paul Lee, and Gabe Norwood.

Guiao admits it will be a tough campaign for the nationals, which are in Group D with Serbia, Italy, and Angola.

“The more you watch them, the more you understand that it’s going to be a tough game for us,” said the NLEX Road Warriors head coach.

The Philippines will begin their World Cup group play on August 31.