Gilas gets timely boost as Jordan Clarkson arrives in Philippines

Gilas Pilipinas got a timely boost for the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers as Jordan Clarkson arrived in the country on Friday night to join the national team.

The Filipino-American cager is set to join the practices on Sunday as he is expected to suit up as Gilas' naturalized player come the August window, where the Philippines will play two games.

Clarkson is tipped to bolster a new-look Gilas.

Led by head coach Chot Reyes, the national team will be composed of a majority of PBA players as well as several young stars as Gilas eyes to redeem itself following a string of losses in the past few months.

Joining Clarkson in the pool is wunderkind Kai Sotto, who arrived on Thursday night, as well as Ginebra's Scottie Thompson, Arvin Tolentino, and Japeth Aguilar; San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez; Meralco's Chris Newsome, Allein Maliksi, and Raymond Almazan; Magnolia's Jio Jalalon and Ian Sangalang; NorthPort's Robert Bolick; and Terrafirma's Roosevelt Adams.

Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., and young rising stars Carl Tamayo, Francis Lopez, and Kevin Quiambao were likewise called up.

Jaime Malonzo, Kevin Alas, and Calvin Oftana, who got the call-up earlier, complete the 24-man pool.

From the pool, the final lineup will be determined as Gilas battles Lebanon on August 25 and Saudi Arabia on the 29th.

—JMB, GMA News