NBA superstar Jordan Clarkson and Australian Basketball League’s Kai Sotto are again wearing their Gilas Pilipinas jerseys and will play together for the first time to lead the country’s quest for a berth in the FIBA World Cup 2023 via the Asian Qualifiers.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirmed both Clarkson and Sotto are rejoining the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s National Team for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Window 4 Qualifiers scheduled in Beirut and Manila on the following dates:
- August 25, 2022, vs Lebanon (Beirut)
- August 29, 2022, vs. Saudi Arabia (SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay)
Jordan Clarkson, NBA
The National Basketball Association 6th Player of the Year-awarded Clarkson’s joining the Philippine squad was confirmed by SBP during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on August 9.
The popular Utah Jazz guard of Filipino descent is expected to arrive in the country next week to play for the first time in front of the Filipino audience, and his second time with the national team.
The 6-foot-5 Filipino American basketball standout first donned his Gilas Pilipinas #6 jersey at the Asian Games in 2018.
Kai Sotto, ABL
The SBP report published on August 10 announced Kai Sotto’s return to the Gilas Pilipinas team.
Sotto who has prominently figured in the headlines for actively seeking to be the first homegrown Filipino player in the NBA is currently playing with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia.
The 7-foot-3 center former Ateneo High School MVP has been playing for the national squad even while training in the NBA G-league.
Kai Sotto is expected to arrive in Manila from Australia on August 18.
“We are glad to have Kai into the Gilas fold and thank him for his proactive response to the call to play for flag and country for the August Qualifiers,” SBP Executive Director and Spokesperson Sonny Barrios said in the report.
The currently confirmed roster of the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s National Team includes Clarkson, Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Carl Tamayo, Francis Lopez, and Kevin Quiambao.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to welcome back NBA’s Jordan Clarkson and ABL’s Kai Sotto to the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers!
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