By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes is expecting Jordan Clarkson to arrive on August 15 to join the national team preparation for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The Gilas coaching staff intended to build the team around the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee although Reyes admitted that they can’t be so sure regarding Clarkson’s inclusion to the lineup until he’s actually here and practicing with the team already.
“He has made himself available. He said he can come in and practice starting August 15,” shared Reyes.
Reyes disclosed that team manager Butch Antonio along with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is already in talks with Clarkson’s camp regarding the Gilas stint.
“I know that SBP leadership, team manager Butch Antonio is talking to his representative, his agent, his management team to fix all the logistics to allow him to come in and play. It’s not that simple. Maraming issues involved. But that’s where we are right now. He said he made himself available. Now we are doing all we can to make it happen,” he added.
“We cannot really be a hundred percent. But right now, we are planning with him in the line-up. We are putting together a line-up with Jordan Clarkson part of the line-up,” Reyes stressed.
Gilas will be facing FIBA Asia Cup 2022 silver medalist Lebanon in Beirut on Aug. 25 before hosting Saudi Arabia on Aug. 30.
“It would be great for the Filipino people to watch Jordan play for the national team here in the Philippines.”
Meantime, Reyes pleaded for patience and support following the backlash the national team has been getting of late.
Reyes, who also serves as the Gilas program director, said the entire program is still trying to navigate past the transition period as it started from scratch anew following the departure of former head coach and director Tab Baldwin in February.
He also thanked Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio for publicly expressing support to him and the rest of Gilas coaching staff although he refused to comment regarding the SBP chief’s claim that the current Gilas predicament was triggered by Baldwin’s departure.
RESIGNATION REJECTED
“I don’t wish to comment on that. I never said anything against anyone. It’s not my style. I would rather not comment on it except to say that we are doing our best,” Reyes told reporters after TNT’s 116-95 quarterfinals victory over Converge on Wednesday.
Reyes admitted that he actually tendered his resignation after the Southeast Asian Games debacle in Hanoi but was apparently rejected by the federation.
“I did (file resignation). Sa lahat ng sumusulat sa akin, nag-eemail na magresign ka na and all that, hindi ako sumasagot but fortunately nagsalita na si President Al. That’s the reason, that’s my reply, nagreply naman ako eh, hindi nila tinanggap,” he said.
“It’s very difficult, difficult for my family but somebody has to do the job and I’ve always said before that I will never turn my back on my duty to the flag and country. I don’t know what else to say except that be patient, we are in a transition,” he furthered.
“That’s where we are right now. We are in a period of transition. We’re trying to win. We hope we could have won more than what we have lost but we’re making with the card dealt to us.”
Clarkson arriving Aug. 15; SBP rejects Reyes resignation after SEAG debacle
By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes is expecting Jordan Clarkson to arrive on August 15 to join the national team preparation for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The Gilas coaching staff intended to build the team around the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee although Reyes admitted that they can’t be so sure regarding Clarkson’s inclusion to the lineup until he’s actually here and practicing with the team already.
“He has made himself available. He said he can come in and practice starting August 15,” shared Reyes.
Reyes disclosed that team manager Butch Antonio along with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is already in talks with Clarkson’s camp regarding the Gilas stint.
“I know that SBP leadership, team manager Butch Antonio is talking to his representative, his agent, his management team to fix all the logistics to allow him to come in and play. It’s not that simple. Maraming issues involved. But that’s where we are right now. He said he made himself available. Now we are doing all we can to make it happen,” he added.
“We cannot really be a hundred percent. But right now, we are planning with him in the line-up. We are putting together a line-up with Jordan Clarkson part of the line-up,” Reyes stressed.
Gilas will be facing FIBA Asia Cup 2022 silver medalist Lebanon in Beirut on Aug. 25 before hosting Saudi Arabia on Aug. 30.
“It would be great for the Filipino people to watch Jordan play for the national team here in the Philippines.”
Meantime, Reyes pleaded for patience and support following the backlash the national team has been getting of late.
Reyes, who also serves as the Gilas program director, said the entire program is still trying to navigate past the transition period as it started from scratch anew following the departure of former head coach and director Tab Baldwin in February.
He also thanked Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio for publicly expressing support to him and the rest of Gilas coaching staff although he refused to comment regarding the SBP chief’s claim that the current Gilas predicament was triggered by Baldwin’s departure.
RESIGNATION REJECTED
“I don’t wish to comment on that. I never said anything against anyone. It’s not my style. I would rather not comment on it except to say that we are doing our best,” Reyes told reporters after TNT’s 116-95 quarterfinals victory over Converge on Wednesday.
Reyes admitted that he actually tendered his resignation after the Southeast Asian Games debacle in Hanoi but was apparently rejected by the federation.
“I did (file resignation). Sa lahat ng sumusulat sa akin, nag-eemail na magresign ka na and all that, hindi ako sumasagot but fortunately nagsalita na si President Al. That’s the reason, that’s my reply, nagreply naman ako eh, hindi nila tinanggap,” he said.
“It’s very difficult, difficult for my family but somebody has to do the job and I’ve always said before that I will never turn my back on my duty to the flag and country. I don’t know what else to say except that be patient, we are in a transition,” he furthered.
“That’s where we are right now. We are in a period of transition. We’re trying to win. We hope we could have won more than what we have lost but we’re making with the card dealt to us.”
