By REYNALD MAGALLON
Even as the frustrations and heartbreaks continue to mount for Gilas Pilipinas, Jordan Clarkson vowed to soldier on for the fans who shared their agony in what was once a hopeful FIBA World Cup run.
Gilas dropped its second straight loss, an 80-70 defeat at the hands of heftier Angolans, leaving a lively, animated crowd, stunned in deafening silence after the game on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It also put the Filipinos on the brink of elimination and possibly losing its hope for Paris Olympic dreams all together.
The Nationals did give the fans reasons to cheer on when they almost came close at erasing a 16-point deficit in the final five minutes only for the crowd to head to the Big Dome exits in disappointment of another ‘what could have been’ for Gilas.
But Clarkson remains hopeful of finally giving the crowd the win it very much deserves.
“We’re just gonna keep fighting. They’re here to support us every night, every day so we’ll keep on fighting for y’all and keep fighting and competing. We’ll try to get it together.. We’re trying to get a win for y’all,” said the NBA star.
Clarkson lived up to the billing as Gilas’ most potent weapon, as after dropping 28 points against Dominican Republic, once again led the way with 21 points and seven assists against Angola.
It was also him, along with shocktroopers Kai Sotto and Rhenz Abando, who tried to pump some life to the faltering Gilas in the final five minutes, cutting the lead down to just five, 68-73 after being down by as many as 16.
Clarkson was proud of the fight back but admitted that the run should have come a little sooner to give Gilas a better chance.
“We can’t give up. We’re going to keep fighting. Keep playing, still competing. That’s the big thing for us. We figured it out a little late but somehow we just got to it a little early,” he added.
Clarkson would then go to social media hours after the tough loss with a post that is seemingly made to encourage everyone who has been disheartened by Gilas’ series of defeats.
“Your prayers will be answered and blessed,” Clarkson posted on X.
