Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto Join Gilas Pilipinas Closed-Door Practice At Last

The momentum is building, and the final pieces of the puzzle are falling into place for Gilas Pilipinas as the national basketball team prepares for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

In an encouraging development, Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto took to the court for a closed-door practice session at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Wednesday, August 9, injecting newfound energy and optimism into the squad.

Head coach Chot Reyes shared the exciting news through an Instagram story, where fans caught a glimpse of Clarkson and Sotto actively participating in the practice, seamlessly integrating with the rest of the team. 

The sight of the two key players running up and down the court, taking shots and working in tandem with their teammates, signifies a significant step forward in Gilas Pilipinas’ World Cup preparations.

Clarkson’s arrival from the United States, following visa complications that prevented his participation in the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China, is a much-anticipated development. His presence on the court is set to be a game-changer, given his proven NBA prowess and previous impressive performances for the Philippine team.

Meanwhile, Sotto’s return to practice is equally impactful. The towering 7-foot-3 center, who remained in the Philippines to address back issues following his NBA Summer League stint with the Orlando Magic, adds a crucial dimension to the team’s lineup. Sotto’s impressive showing during the Asian Qualifiers, where he displayed averages of 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks in four games, showcases his potential to be a dominant force on the court.

Even in the absence of Clarkson and Sotto, Gilas Pilipinas demonstrated its promise during the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China, finishing with a commendable 3-1 record. The squad’s competitive spirit and determination were evident as they faced off against Iran and Senegal.

With Clarkson and Sotto now actively participating, the team’s prospects for the FIBA World Cup, where they are grouped with Italy, Dominican Republic, and Angola in Group A, look even brighter. The dynamic combination of experienced NBA talent and emerging young stars paints a promising picture for the Philippine squad.

Gilas Pilipinas has approximately two weeks to refine its strategies and solidify team cohesion before its World Cup journey commences. The team’s first challenge will be against the Dominican Republic as they open their World Cup campaign on August 25 at the iconic Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

As the national team continues to fine-tune its game plan, the Filipino basketball community eagerly awaits the opportunity to witness the collective effort of Clarkson, Sotto, and the entire Gilas Pilipinas roster on the global stage. The journey towards the FIBA World Cup is a testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of the players and fans as they unite to proudly represent the Philippines in international basketball competitions.