NBA star Clarkson elevates Gilas PH games up a notch

JOSHUA “The Passion” Pacio believes that ONE Strawweight World Champion Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks has defeated everyone he needs to beat in the division, and he has an idea on how to solve the strawweight logjam.

While he wants a rematch with the American wrestling machine, he’s willing to throw his name in a Strawweight World Grand Prix just to prove that he deserves another shot at the American.

“I think Jarred Brooks already faced all the top contenders in the strawweight division. He is at the top of the division right now, and it’s really hard to see who should be next in line,” he said.

“I am open to join if [ONE Championship] decides to make a Strawweight World Grand Prix tournament. Even before I became champion, I’ve always thought about this. They did it in kickboxing and other MMA divisions, so why not at strawweight?

“Brooks and I have pretty much fou ght everybody, so a Strawweight World Grand Prix would be a fantastic idea.”

But a fight with second-ranked contender Bokang “Little Giant” Masunyane is something that he’s also willing to entertain, especially if that gives him a clear path to a rematch with Brooks.

“I’m ready all the time, but I think ONE is offering me a different fight. For me, if they give me the second-ranked fighter [Bokang Masunyane], I’ll accept. If they give me the champion, I’ll accept as the no.1 contender,” he said.

Whoever he faces next, he knows that the chapter between him and Brooks is far from over.

By Randy Caluag

BARELY a week in practice with the Gilas Pilipinas team, Jordan Clarkson is showing the way why he is a marquee NBA player.

That was how Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio and the coaching staff observed the Utah Jazz star’s first few days with the Gilas squad that is preparing for the FIBA World Cup.

While Clarkson acts like he’s just one of the guys, Panlilio said the Fil-American naturalized player still proves he’s a “different animal” in terms of skills and game IQ.

“May mga moves or assists that he only sees and does. Paano niya nakita ‘yun?” said Panlilio on Tuesday during the special edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association at the Meralco Conference Hall in Pasig City.

“And that’s how you are if you are an NBA player, you see things differently and see opportunities,” added Panlilio.

“ Clarkson would definitely elevate our team, and would provide big contributions,” Panlilio said.

Clarkson’s presence in the Gilas lineup, according Panlilio, has added an additional attraction to the top-tier basketball event co-hosted by the Philippines with Japan and Indonesia.

With some the NBA superstars begging off from the tournament, Clarkson and Slovenia’s Luka Doncic were left as top attractions.

Defending champion USA squad, under coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors, are composed mostly of young NBA players.

Under head mentor Chot Reyes, the Philippines’ Gilas squad will have Dominican Republic as its first game on opening day of the World Cup at Philippine Arena in Because, Bulacan.

Sotto cleared to play, joins Gilas training

25th,” said Panlilio.

By Peter Atencio

NBA hopeful Kai Sotto finally got a taste of fullcontact practice with the Gilas Pilipinas team.

The 7’3” Sotto got to do so on Monday evening after getting clearance to suit up for Gilas’ practices for the coming 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio got to watch Sotto play for some minutes after team doctor Randy Molo discussed the players’s condition with his personal physician.

“That’s good news. He’s been cleared to play and again, we’re looking forward to seeing him play also in the friendlies to get ready… I mean for everybody to get ready when the games start on the (August)

Pacio talks potential rematch with Brooks NU Bulldogs kick o V-League drive vs FEU Tamaraws

AFTER the highly successful Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference, collegiate volley takes center stage beginning Wednesday, with National University launching its title-retention drive against UAAP rival Far Eastern University in the men’s side of the 2023 V-League Collegiate Championship at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Bulldogs will parade blue-chip recruit and reigning Spikers’ Turf Best Outside Spiker Jade Disquitado as they slug it out with the Tams in the 12 noon encounter.

Though seniors Nico Almendras and Joshua Retamar aren’t in the NU roster this conference, the defending champions remain as formidable as ever with Kennry Malinis, Obed Mukaba, Michaelo Buddin and Mac Bandola expected to lead the charge along with Disquitado.

Gilas is preparing to have friendlies with teams which will arrive early, like Mexico, Greece and Montenegro.

Sotto, who sustained a back injury during his time with the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League 2023, was not around when Gilas played a series of friendlies in Estonia and Lithuania.

He also missed the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China because of his condition.

The Gilas coaching staff is seeking to raise the level of intensity of the practice sessions, now that many participating squads are about to set foot on Philippine soil.

Kicking off the fourgame slate for the tournament organized by the Sports Vision Management Group Inc. and backed by Bola.TV, Beyond Active Wear, ASICS and Mikasa is the reigning NCAA champion University of Perpetual Help DALTA-Emilio Aguinaldo College duel at 10 a.m.

The Altas, however, will miss the services of ace Louie Ramirez, who is currently training with V.League club Oita Miyoshi in Japan.

Meanwhile, University of the East’s women’s team begins its new era under coach Jerry Yee as it tangles with NAASCU champion Enderun Colleges at 2 p.m. The souped-up Lady Warriors team will be spearheaded by rookies Casiey Dongallo, Jelaica Gajero, Kizzie Madriaga, Grace Fernandez and Claire Castillo.

In the other women’s game, Far Eastern U takes on Mapua U at 4 p.m.

The games will be streamed on the official V-League Facebook page and Bola.TV.

The top four teams from each division after the single round elims will advance to the best-of-three semifinals with the first and second-seeded teams squaring off with the fourth and third-ranked teams, respectively.

The finals will also be a best-of-three series while the battle for the bronze is a onegame affair.

2023