Jordan Clarkson not injured, assures Gilas team manager

Jordan Clarkson opted not to participate in Gilas Pilipinas’ final tune-up game before the FIBA World Cup, but he is not injured.

This was the assurance provided by Gilas team manager Butch Antonio and head coach Chot Reyes following Clarkson’s exclusion from the lineup for Monday night’s match against Mexico at the PhilSports Arena.

“He just needed a rest,” Antonio said of the Utah Jazz guard.

“Kailangan lang niya ng pahinga,” added Reyes.

Without Clarkson, Gilas lost 84-77 to Mexico. Scottie Thompson led the team in scoring with 14 points, followed by Dwight Ramos and RR Pogoy with 9 markers apiece. In the third period, Mexico forced Gilas into 7 turnovers and pulled away.

Antonio dispelled any concerns that the Filipino-American guard is injured or that his World Cup participation is in jeopardy.

“Nothing like that. He really just wanted to rest.”

Since his arrival in Manila on August 8, Clarkson has been training with Gilas Pilipinas. He was on the court for 24 minutes and 15 seconds during Friday’s 85-62 victory over Ivory Coast. The following night, he played 29 minutes and 39 seconds in the national team’s 102-87 loss to Montenegro.

Clarkson will spearhead the Philippines’ FIBA World Cup campaign, beginning on August 25 at the Philippine Arena against the Dominican Republic.