No tricks, one-man show

MANILA, Philippines — SBP president Al Panlilio said Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson won’t provide instant magic for Gilas but his presence alone on the court has to be a big advantage when the Philippines plays China to decide the Group D topnotcher in the Asian Games at the Gelora Bung Karno Basketball Hall in Jakarta this afternoon.

“JC’s an intelligent player and extremely coachable,” said Panlilio. “He won’t do a one-man show. He only wants to be part of our team. JC told his teammates, if you’re free, take the shot. It’s about playing within coach Yeng’s (Guiao) system. JC’s high basketball IQ will take care of the rest.”

Panlilio said playing China outside of China will eliminate the “tricks” that the Chinese used at the FIBA Asia Cup Final in Changsha in 2015. “Wala na yung pang-iinis,” he said. “In Changsha, they did a lot of tricks to distract us from delaying our ride to the venue because our bus had a discharged battery to replacing our net to disrupt our warmups to limiting our ticket allocation. This time, we’re playing on neutral grounds. They’re still formidable with their two NBA players but we’ve got JC who gives us a huge lift in making us more competitive.”

In Changsha, China beat the Philippines, 78-67, for the gold medal. Back from the 2015 Final to play in Jakarta are 7-2 Zhou Qi, 6-7 Ding Yanyuhang, 7-0 Wang Zhelin and 6-4 Zhao Tailong for China and Gabe Norwood and Asi Taulava for the Philippines. Aside from China’s Great Wall, Guiao will pay particular attention to 6-8 power forward Abudushalamu Abudurexiti who’s considered the team’s best player pound-for-pound.

Panlilio said Clarkson’s arrival has brought a high level of excitement to the basketball tournament. “Indonesian fans wait for him outside the gym,” he said. “Tickets for the China game are sold out. Everybody wants to see JC play. I think Indonesia’s happy that JC’s in town. It’s exactly what I told (NBA deputy commissioner) Mark (Tatum) when we spoke about JC’s inclusion in the Philippine lineup. The audience of the Asian Games is massive and JC playing for Gilas helps the NBA to expand presence in Asia. The NBA would’ve missed this opportunity if JC and the Chinese NBA players weren’t allowed to play.”

Panlilio confirmed that the NBA gave both the Philippines and China the option of suiting up their NBA players in either the Asian Games or the next window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. “Mark spoke to Yao Ming about it,” said Panlilio. “Since China has an automatic ticket to the 2019 FIBA World Cup as host nation, of course, they chose the Asian Games. We also chose the Asian Games since we’re not sure of JC’s availability in September because of the proximity of the NBA training camp with the season opening on Oct. 16. Besides, we’ve waited over three years for JC to play for Gilas and we didn’t want to pass on this first opportunity.”

Panlilio said Clarkson’s just one of the guys. “Pinoy na Pinoy,” he said. “JC’s not the type to expect people to bow at his feet because he’s an NBA player. He’s proud to play for the Philippines.” Clarkson’s father Mike, stepmother Jamie, manager Chris Emens and trainer Demitrius O’Neal are in Jakarta to witness his Gilas debut.

Gilas assistant coach Ryan Gregorio said Clarkson is careful not to hog the limelight and only wants to fit in as part of the team. “When he arrived, coach Yeng thanked him for joining us in the Asian Games and he just nodded positively and appreciated the warm welcome,” he said.

The PBA Board of Governors and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial also had a chance to interact with Clarkson. Marcial said he thanked Clarkson for joining the national team. “Mabait, tahimik, pangiti-ngiti lang,” said Marcial. “Hindi mayabang, no problem in jibing with the team.” Blackwater PBA governor Silliman Sy said Clarkson’s like any player. “No special treatment, always expressing his happiness to finally play for the Philippines,” said Sy. “He has raised the spirit of the team. One big factor is the respect all the players have for coach Yeng.”

POC secretary-general Patrick Gregorio said one day, he’ll write a book about how Clarkson made it to Jakarta. “I told JC’s agent Chris that my book will be entitled ‘Zero Chance’ because that’s what everyone told me when we broached the idea of bringing JC to the Asian Games,” said Gregorio. “From zero chance, it went up to one percent. When JC arrived, he was overwhelmed, taking videos of everything he saw. He was speechless when he embraced me. It’s a dream come true for him and for millions of Filipinos.”

Last Sunday night, SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan hosted a dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for the Gilas team in Jakarta. He was accompanied by POC president/PBA chairman Ricky Vargas and Panlilio. “I’m so happy that JC’s desire to play for his country has become a reality,” said Panlilio. “He will be a great asset for us as we build on our campaign in the Asian Games. Seeing him carry our flag during the opening ceremony and finally cleared to play for our national team, I must say that all our efforts were worth it. Lahat ng hirap sulit. Napakasarap maging Pilipino.”