Clarkson unlikely to see action in PHL opener against Kazakhstan

Despite a go-signal to play in the Asian Games, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson will likely miss the Philippines' first assignment against Kazakhstan in the basketball tournament.

Clarkson is expected to arrive in Indonesia on Thursday morning, just as the Philippine squad tips off against the Central Asian powerhouse at 11 a.m.

The Kazakhstan games is critical because only two of three teams from the group will advance to the next stage. The Philippines will face traditional Asian power China on August 21 in its only other preliminary game.

Despite Clarkson's likely absence, coach Yeng Guiao expressed confidence going into the opening matchup.

“We feel we have a pretty good game plan against Kazakhstan, we feel we are ready,” said Guiao.

“The coaching staff has done an excellent job scouting, doing the preparation and doing the mind-setting of the players, and every body is just making a contribution to the effort,” he added.

He added that it's unfair to expect Clarkson to play right away after a long-haul flight from the United States.

With players who have had experience playing for him before, Guiao believes the team will be ready despite the short turnaround.

“Although with the time that we spent together, we’ve made a lot of progress,” said Guiao. “Our team is jelling, the camaraderie is really good and they’re absorbing the system really well. That’s the good news.”

Joining Clarkson in the Philippine lineup are James Yap, Chris Tiu, Gabe Norwood, Raymond Almazan, Maverick Ahanmisi, Beau Belga, Paul Lee, Asi Taulava, Stanley Pringle, Christian Standhardinger and Poy Erram. —JST, GMA News