CLARKSON UNFAZED BY CHINESE: IT’S JUST ANOTHER GAME
JAKARTA— For someone whom Gilas Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao described as one that “could break down any defense at will,” Jordan Clarkson looked passive offensively during practice Sunday afternoon he bordered on being boring.
But in the short time that he has handled the Cleveland star in the NBA, Guiao knows exactly what Clarkson is up to.
“It seems as if he’s trying to gauge his teammates,” Guiao told Filipino scribes as Gilas practiced for two hours at Plaza Festival gym in preparation for a muchawaited contest with tournament favorite China on Tuesday at 5 p.m. (PH time).
“You can see him passing more often than taking a shot because he’s trying to find out who among his teammates could be the most reliable in game situations,” Guiao explained. “But if you look at him closely,
kayang-kaya niya itong (he can dominate the) level of basketball dito (here),” Guiao said. Gilas slugs it out with China at GBK Basketball Hall, and though the Philippines is listed as the underdog, Guiao and the rest of his gang are exuding confidence. All because of Clarkson. “It’s just another game,” Clarkson told the Inquirer before boarding the team bus back to the Athletes Village. “I’m excited to play, yeah. But, you know, I’ll just treat it like any other game, play the best that I can play and help the team win.”
Clarkson has become the toast of the Games. Reports reaching the Philippines’ coaching staff and management are of brisk ticket sales among local fans wanting to get a glimpse of the 26-year-old half-Filipino in action.
“He’s special,” Guiao said of Clarkson. “I have never coached anyone with the talent and athleticism that he has. And I am truly honored to be the first [Filipino] to coach an active NBA player.”
Guiao reiterated that Clarkson will not be a one-man wrecking crew for Gilas against the Chinese—or whomever the Filipinos will play afterwards.
“I want to use him in a way that can make the team better,” Guiao told the Inquirer. “With the attention that he is getting here, we can be sure that all defenses will be trying to shut him down.
“And that’s where his teammates should step up to help him. With his skill set, he could definitely find the open man once he’s in trouble [with the defense].”