Clarkson leads Gilas in lopsided win vs China; Reyes may step down as head coach  

Jordan Clarkson went on a tear Saturday night at the Araneta Coliseum, leading Gilas Pilipinas’ domination of China in their last game at the FIBA World Cup, 96-75, to salvage the team’s only win in this tournament.

It was a close game in the first half, with China leading by a point, 40-39, at the half-time breeak, bucking a quick start by Gilas. After the break, however, Clarkson found the groove that won him the NBA 6th Man Award in 2021, racking up 24 of Gilas’ 34 points in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the entire Chinese team which only turned in 11 points.

Gilas players gave an all-out effort, both on defense and offense. They out rebounded a much taller Chinese team, 46-31, and made 11 more field goals, 35-26, including 9 from the three-point range. China only made 5 three-point shots.  Gilas blocked 3 shots to China’s zero and had three more steals, 7-4.

Clarkson told a post-game interview that Gilas wanted to win for the Filipino fans who continued to support the team despite the heartbreaking losses. “Everybody came out here, supporting again. You hear the arena screaming, it’s loud in here. They didn’t give up on us, we ain’t giving up on them,” said Clarkson.

Clarkson said it was also the team’s birthday gift for Dwight Ramos, who has played consistently throughout the tournament.  Ramos added 11 points to Clarkson’s 34 while high-leaping Rhenz Abando chipped in 14 and Kai Sotto contributed 12. AJ Edu had 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 points.

The rousing win could be Gilas’ send off to their beleaguered head coach, Vincent “Chot” Reyes, who brought the Philippine back to the FIBA World Cup in 2014 after decades of absence. Reyes’ return as head coach of the national team to replace Tab Baldwin was not entirely welcome, with many Filipino basketball fans criticizing him constantly on social media and was even booed during the World Cup games.

After the win over China, Reyes told reporters that the victory might be his last game as Gilas head coach. He said some of the criticisms are just too harsh and disrespectful. “I don’t deserve it, my family doesn’t deserve it,” Reyes told a post-game interview.

If Reyes does quit and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas accepts his resignation, it could be blow to Gilas’ chances of winning the gold at the Asian Games that starts on September 23 as well as the preparation for the Olympic Pre-qualifying Tournaments.