Finally! Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto Join Gilas Practice Ahead Of FIBA World Cup

by Cristian Andal

Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto during Gilas Pilipinas’ game against Saudi Arabia in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers at Araneta Coliseum. Photo by Fiba

Finally! The big shot duo of Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto joined the Gilas Pilipinas closed-door practice on Wednesday, August 9 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Gilas standouts were seen training with the rest of the squad, taking shots and running down the court, in an Instagram story posted by head coach Chot Reyes.

The 31-year-old Clarkson, an 11-year NBA veteran, arrived from the U. S. last Tuesday. He was not able to join the national team for the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China because of visa matters.

Meanwhile, Sotto stayed in the country and did not join the China tourney as he had to recover from back issues bothering him since his NBA Summer League stint with the Orlando Magic last month.

Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto participate in tonight's Gilas Pilipinas practice at the Philsports Arena [🎥: Coach Chot Reyes, Instagram] @spinph pic.twitter.com/I47mx04Q1c

— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) August 9, 2023

It was a promising performance for Gilas even without Clarkson and Sotto as they pulled a 3-1 slate in the three-team pocket tournament against Senegal and Iran. Nevertheless, Sotto and Clarkson will likely have crucial roles in the World Cup despite their absence. 

The Philippines will be in Group A together with world No. 10 Italy, No. 23 Dominican Republic, and No. 41 Angola.