Jordan Clarkson, the prominent Fil-Am Utah Jazz player, is en route to Manila, upholding his commitment to join the Philippine team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup of basketball.

A photograph of him at Los Angeles International Airport, taken by Filipino digital creator and photojournalist Jhay Otamias, circulated on social media on Monday.

Otamias shared a snapshot alongside the 31-year-old Clarkson, who is poised to embark on his flight to Manila.

This journey allows the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year more than two weeks to reacquaint himself with the national team before engaging in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, a co-hosted event by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

The talented Filipino-American guard, known for his sharpshooting skills, is expected to land in Manila on Tuesday and participate in Gilas’ practice the following day.

As of the current moment on Monday (August 7), the national squad is competing in its final match at the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball tournament against Iran. Upon conclusion, the team will depart Guangdong and return to Manila.

Given his NBA background and strong basketball acumen, Clarkson is undoubtedly set to be Gilas’ primary scoring option.

“The foremost anticipation is his basketball readiness. While he may not be at peak game shape just yet, he will have ample time to reach that point. For a player of his caliber, his basketball skills and game shape should align sufficiently,” remarked Reyes during his recent appearance on former PBA commissioner Noli Eala’s online sports show, Power and Play.

Selected as the 46th overall draft pick by the Washington Wizards in 2014, Clarkson is arriving after an impressive season with the Jazz, where he maintained an average of 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 61 regular season games.

In the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Clarkson contributed to Gilas’ efforts, participating in a closely contested match against Lebanon led by Waek Arakji in Beirut. Subsequently, Gilas achieved a significant triumph over Saudi Arabia just days later at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. (ai/mnm)