If Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes will have his way, he wants both Kai Sotto and Jordan Clarkson in the team when they see action in a pocket tournament in China next month.
In an interview with Daily Tribune, Reyes admitted that he wants Gilas to be in full force when they battle Iran, Lebanon and Senegal in the four-nation event that will be held in the final stretch of their preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup from 25 August to 10 September.
Reyes said Sotto is committed to join Gilas after the National Basketball Association Summer League while Clarkson vowed to arrive at least six months before the prestigious world tourney fires off.
“Kai is supposed to come here after the Summer League and we’re asking Jordan to join as soon as possible. We want him to be able to join us in China,” Reyes said.
“That’s where we at right now. But whether he will be able to join us, we have no idea.”
But the possibility of Sotto and Clarkson being available for China friendlies is getting nil.
Sotto, for one, is reportedly set to land in Manila on Tuesday but has been complaining of a back spasm that he sustained during his last game in the Summer League last Sunday.
Sotto, in fact, sat out in the second half of the Orlando Magic’s game against the Boston Celtics to treat his injured back.
He said he wants to take some time rehabilitating, something that his agent, Tony Ronzone of Wasserman Sports, immediately confirmed.
“Right now, let’s give the kid a break for a few days then we will figure out the next plan. Again, he has learned a lot. Made Summer League and played well in the first action. He’s only 21,” Ronzone said in a report by United States-based sportswriter Homer Sayson.
“He is going to Manila for rest right now. He’s been non-stop for the last year. No idea when the family is going back. Tomorrow or next day sometime.”
Clarkson, for his part, has also yet to come up with a firm commitment.
In a previous Daily Tribune report, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio admitted that they have yet to get words from Clarkson’s camp, except for the commitment made by his father, Mike Clarkson, that they will be arriving in Manila six weeks before the tourney — or around the second week of this month.
“I’m not in direct contact with him, but it’s Chot. But I spoke to Jordan’s dad a few weeks ago,” Panlilio said.
“They all say that he remains committed, but the confirmed date of his arrival is the question.”
