By REYNALD MAGALLON
Jordan Clarkson has nothing but love and respect for Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes who announced that he is ‘stepping aside’ from his position after the Nationals ended their campaign in the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a 96-75 victory over China on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Clarkson expressed his support to Reyes’ decision after the embattled coach became the subject of the fans’ vitriol over the Gilas struggles not just in the World Cup but also in the past tournaments.
“All I got is respect for him and (I) took my hat off for him. That’s his decision today, but it’s all love,” said Clarkson.
“I could just start off with one word — respect. Like you said, he didn’t apply for this job. He didn’t do that, he got chosen and he has put everything on the line, his family and for the country as well,” he added.
For someone who has seen Reyes’ effort all throughout the preparation, Clarkson said Reyes has done a great job in his work – in contrast to what is being perceived by people outside their circle.
“He’s done a good job in rallying all of us in the short times that we’ve been together. Trying to get stuff in, you know, as quickly as possible,” Clarkson said of Reyes who was actually the one that brought him to the national team program.
“I just have super respect for him. I’ve been talking to him since I was young and we’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get together and you know, play the game, do this for a while. All I got is respect for him,” he furthered.
With Reyes saying that he’s already coaching his last game at the helm, Clarkson made sure to give his coach a fitting farewell, exploding for 34 points on five triples.
He even anchored the blistering 27-2 run in the third quarter, draining four triples in succession which proved to be enough to topple the massive Chinese great wall.
