Jordan Clarkson joins Ravena brothers, Dwight Ramos in Gilas' fourth window pool

Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson has been included in the pool for the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers late this month.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) spokesperson Sonny Barrios said Clarkson will join the likes of Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena as well as other young guns Dwight Ramos, Bobby Ray Parks Jr, Francis 'Lebron' Lopez, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao in the pool.

Pool members coming from the PBA, meanwhile, will be announced after the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals so as not to cause disruption in the league.

"Nag-meeting kami nila Chot (Reyes) kahapon at 2:30 and he had his coaches' meeting at 4 and he came back to me, sabi niya ang napagkasunduan namin ay 'wag muna i-reveal 'yung lineup until after the semis," Barrios said during Tuesday's PSA Forum.

"But I suppose I can share with those who are being looked at to be part of the pool."

"If you notice, I am keeping quiet on the PBA players which sila 'yung nakararami sa pool na tinitignan for the 25th and the 29th which is the window four."

Clarkson is expected to suit up on the fourth window where Gilas will play Lebanon on August 25 and Saudi Arabia on the 29th at home.

Meanwhile, Barrios said the federation continues to be in talks with Kai Sotto regarding his availability for Gilas. The Filipino wunderkind has recently inked a new deal with the Adelaide 36ers as he is set to return in the National Basketball League in Australia.

"Ang pagkakaintndi ko ay si Kai, gusto niya lumaro for Gilas. We still are talking to him," added Barrios. "Nando'n po tayo, harinawa ay maging positive ang sagot ng kampo ng Kai Sotto sa ating panawagan."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News