Clarkson gives us a good chance vs Korea – Guiao
JAKARTA, Indonesia — The presence of NBA player Jordan Clarkson for the Philippines levels the odds somewhat against South Korea, according to national coach Yeng Guiao.
“Historically, the Koreans… it’s always hard to win against them, and most of the time our national team end up losing,” said Guiao prior to the team’s practice Friday at the GMSB gym here.
“This time, I have a good feeling that with Jordan Clarkson, and of course the way the players are playing, the way they are developing and the way we are getting that cohesion, I think things are even this time going to the game.”
Clarkson, the 6-foot-5 Fil-American member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, collected 28 points, eight rebounds and six assists against China in his debut game with the national team in the JakartaPalembang Asian Games here.
The Philippines and Korea will face off in the knockout quarterfinal match Monday after China clinched No. 1 spot in Group D with a 2-0 card, while the Nationals finished No. 2 at 1-1.
Korea topped Group A with a perfect 3-0 record behind its naturalized player Ricardo Ratliffe, who averaged 23.3 points and 13 rebounds during the elimination round.
Aside from the 6-foot-10 Ratliffe, an import for the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA last season, Korea also has an array of deadly shooters in Lee Jung Hyun, Kim Sunhyung, Heo Ung, Heo Ilyoung, Jeon Junbeom and bigman Kang Sangjae.
Guiao, however, is confident the national team is ready for the challenge.
“In our game against China, we were not as efficient,” said Guiao. “It was actually Jordan’s first game after the NBA Finals with the Cavs. So we’re expecting a little bit more efficiency with the Korea game.” (Waylon Galvez)