Having Jordan Clarkson in 2023 FIBA World Cup would be ‘huge’ for PH, says Norwood

Philippine national men’s basketball team veteran Gabe Norwood believes it would be a very big deal for the country if Filipino-American Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson will don the Gilas colors in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Speaking on "The Howie Severino Podcast", Norwood said fans will look forward to Clarkson bringing his game to the World Cup, which will be hosted by the Philippines, along with Japan and Indonesia.

"It would be huge. I think it would be huge, just in terms of... Especially you know, given this last couple of years or this last year because they want for some excitement in terms of the game of basketball," Norwood said.

"You know Jordan is... It's like he gets better every year. Since the time he set foot in the NBA, he's improved, he's gotten more confident and it's really paying off right now," he added.

Clarkson has turned in an impressive performance this season, and Norwood believes the Fil-Am guard has a good chance of winning the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, a goal Clarkson had previously stated was a goal of his.

"Most likely, he wins Sixth Man of the Year in the NBA. And to be able to have him in 2023, I think it would be awesome for the country, awesome for him," Norwood added.

Clarkson represented the country once back in the 2018 Asian Games alongside Norwood, who has nothing but good memories from that stint.

"He comes to work, he's a professional, he made everybody feel comfortable at the Asian Games," Norwood recalled.

"He wanted to be part of the team. It was good to have him, good to have that experience and I think it definitely left a good impression on him and wanted to come back and play some more."

Clarkson and the Jazz are already assured of a playoffs berth in the ongoing NBA season, topping the Western Conference with a 44-17 record.

The Fil-Am guard currently averages 17.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News