Asian Games: Clarkson takes a bow in Syria game
- 6 years ago
The Philippines’ game for fifth place with Syria in Asian Games basketball on Friday night could be Jordan Clarkson’s final appearance for the team.
Clarkson, the Cleveland Cavalier starter, will suit up for the last time when the Filipinos face the Syrians at 6:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. in Manila) at the 7,100-seat Istora Gelora Bung Karno.
Whether the 6-5 Clarkson can don the national jersey in the future is uncertain since he is fully committed to play in the NBA, whose schedule practically consumes three-fourths of the year.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officials had attempted to bring him back when the Philippines resumes its campaign in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers but the NBA’s directive was for the 26-year-old shooting guard to play only in Indonesia.
National head coach Yeng Guiao is expected to push his players against the Syrians, who earned the right to meet the Filipinos after beating Indonesia, 76-66, Tuesday night.
“We didn’t practice on Wednesday, but we still did a lot of work viewing Syria’s games and broken down some clips. We looked at every advantage we can exploit against them. We want to make a good lasting impression in our final game in the Asian Games,” said Guiao.
Unlike China’s speed and size and Korea’s outside shooting, the Syrians don’t pose much of a threat to the Nationals, but the team still went through a two-hour practice on Thursday at the GOR Cempaka Putih, more than an hour from the Athletes’ Village to solidify their plays.
“We’ve seen how Jordan can explode at any given time, but we’ve also seen how efficient he could become if he will get his teammates more involved. We saw how (Christian) Standhardinger, (JP) Erram, Stanley Pringle and Paul Lee contributed to our last two wins and we’ll do the same against Syria,” added Guiao.
The Philippines punched a ticket in the showdown for fifth spot after toppling Japan, 113-80.
Clarkson, the Cleveland Cavalier starter, will suit up for the last time when the Filipinos face the Syrians at 6:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. in Manila) at the 7,100-seat Istora Gelora Bung Karno.
Whether the 6-5 Clarkson can don the national jersey in the future is uncertain since he is fully committed to play in the NBA, whose schedule practically consumes three-fourths of the year.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officials had attempted to bring him back when the Philippines resumes its campaign in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers but the NBA’s directive was for the 26-year-old shooting guard to play only in Indonesia.
National head coach Yeng Guiao is expected to push his players against the Syrians, who earned the right to meet the Filipinos after beating Indonesia, 76-66, Tuesday night.
“We didn’t practice on Wednesday, but we still did a lot of work viewing Syria’s games and broken down some clips. We looked at every advantage we can exploit against them. We want to make a good lasting impression in our final game in the Asian Games,” said Guiao.
Unlike China’s speed and size and Korea’s outside shooting, the Syrians don’t pose much of a threat to the Nationals, but the team still went through a two-hour practice on Thursday at the GOR Cempaka Putih, more than an hour from the Athletes’ Village to solidify their plays.
“We’ve seen how Jordan can explode at any given time, but we’ve also seen how efficient he could become if he will get his teammates more involved. We saw how (Christian) Standhardinger, (JP) Erram, Stanley Pringle and Paul Lee contributed to our last two wins and we’ll do the same against Syria,” added Guiao.
The Philippines punched a ticket in the showdown for fifth spot after toppling Japan, 113-80.