Clarkson, Sotto likely to miss Gilas Pilipinas' pre-FIBA World Cup pocket tournaments

Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto won't be around when Gilas Pilipinas figures in pocket tournaments and tuneup games as part of the national team's buildup for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in August.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said the two stars are likely out with Clarkson, the Utah Jazz player, either looking to negotiate a new deal in the NBA or test the free market, and Sotto eyeing a stint in the NBA Summer League.

This leaves the other 19 members of the national team pool to banner the Philippines in the pre-World Cup games.

Naturalized Filipinos Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame will headline the squad alongside Dwight Ramos, Chris Newsome, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading, CJ Perez, RR Pogoy, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Poy Erram, Carl Tamayo, Ray Parks Jr., June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu, Calvin Oftana, Kiefer Ravena, and Thirdy Ravena.

They will face the national teams of Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, and Latvia while a small tournament in China is also being penciled in for early August.

SBP also seeks support from the Filipino fans to continue rallying behind the nationals with only less than three months left before the country hosts the prestigious global tilt.

“We humbly seek the full support of our countrymen for our National Pool. They are about to begin the critical part of their training for the World Cup and they need everybody to fall behind them,” said SBP chief Al Panlilio.

“We’re praying for the good health and safety of all the players, coaches and everyone involved with Gilas Pilipinas,” he added. “This is our national team, and they are all committed to give their utmost best as they go up against the best players in the world.”

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News