Clarkson, Sotto unlikely to join Gilas’ pre-World Cup tourneys

EXCEPT for Utah Jazz star

Jordan Clarkson and NBA prospect Kai Sotto, all the active players in the 21-member Gilas Pilipinas pool, are on call for a scheduled pre-World Cup pocket tournaments and tuneup matches for the nationals in Europe against the Estonian national team, Finland, Lithuania and Latvia.

Another mini-tourney in China is also being arranged for early August.

Clarkson, who is expected to join the team a few weeks before the Philippines hosts the FIBA World Cup starting on August 25, has one more year left in his contract with the Jazz and is reportedly looking to either negotiate a new deal or test the free market.

On the other hand, Sotto is eyeing a stint in the NBA Summer League in his continuing bid to make it to the league.

Meanwhile, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio on Thursday called on the Fil-

By Peter Atencio

ipino people to rally behind the Gilas Pilipinas National Pool as preparation for the FIBA Basketball World goes into overdrive, with the series of pocket tournaments and friendlies in Europe scheduled.

“We humbly seek the full support of our countrymen for our National Pool. They are about to begin the critical part of their training for the World Cup and they need everybody to fall behind them,” said

Panlilio, recently elected Second Vice President of the FIBA Asia Board.

“We’re praying for the good health and safety of all the players, coaches and everyone involved with Gilas Pilipinas,” he added. “This is our national team, and they are all committed to give their utmost best as they go up against the best players in the world.”

On the hosting side of the event, Panlilio assured that SBP and the FIBAWC Local Organizing Committee had left no stone unturned in making sure the country will be delivering the best World Cup ever, adding everything is right on schedule.

“With the help of the government and our friends in the public sector, SBP has put in place an elaborate network that works 24/7 to guarantee a World Cup built on organization, teamwork and our fellowmen’s innate hospitality and love for the game,” Panlilio said.

SBP, on Tuesday, announced the composition of the 21-man Gilas pool, which will reconvene this week to set into motion the final process leading up to the selection of the Final 12.

Clarkson and Southeast Asian Games sensation Justin Brownlee headline the Gilas pool made up of local and international pro league royalty, led by PBA MVPs June Mar Fajardo and Scottie Thompson and 7-foot-3 phenom Sotto.