Despite a disappointing run in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Jordan Clarkson remains committed to the Philippines’ international program for years to come.
After his 34-point blazing performance to lead Gilas Pilipinas in topping China in their World Cup finale on Saturday, Clarkson assured that his playing service will remain strong and alive for the Filipinos in the future.
“Yeah, I think so. 35 ain’t no—I thought 30 is the new 20, right? I still feel young,” said Clarkson after he led Gilas to a 96-75 demolition over China’s Team Dragon.
“I’m still out here competing. I don’t think this is my last performance in this jersey, I think I got more time. Still can hoop. So yeah, I can’t even tell you what I’m eating in the morning. But hopefully, down the line when that time comes, I’m around again, I may put this jersey on and represent the country.”
As a naturalized player, Clarkson was tapped by the Philippine squad as their main offensive gunner heading to the FIBA Championships bout. For the entire World Cup, the Utah Jazz star didn’t come up short in producing, as he averaged 26.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds for five total matches to banner his nation.
But under his star power, the Philippines failed to capitalize on its hosting rights in front of the basketball-crazed Filipinos. Gilas Pilipinas ended their World Cup activities with a lowly 1-5 record and couldn’t become the best team in Asia that would have handed them one of the lone direct tickets to next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Amid the tough conclusion of their World Cup campaign, Clarkson is keeping his head high due to the Philippines’ unwavering effort and battle against some of the best basketball countries in the world.
Clarkson and the Philippines can still make it to the cut-off of the tight qualifications for next year’s Olympic basketball in Paris by emerging as one of the best four teams in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
“It’s been a tough tournament, but we kept fighting, kept competing, kept playing. We really wanted to end this on the right note. We might not see the same guys in the locker room after this, but at the same time, we just wanted to show heart, fight, and continue the resilience,” Clarkson said.
