The FIBA Basketball World Cup started on Friday and Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz got his first chance to shine.
Clarkson is playing for Gilas Pilipinas, which means he is representing the host country and definitely wants to make them proud.
He did just that, scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals but unfortunately fouled out of the game with three-and-a-half minutes left.
In the end, the Dominican Republic beat the Philippines, 87-81.
Jordan Clarkson's making sweet music 🎶#FIBAWC x #WinForPilipinas 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/NaBajGM0Ge
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
Even though his team wasn’t able to win, fans of Team Philippines were very proud of what Clarkson did.
Throughout Twitter, the flag of the Philippines was flown high as people celebrated Clarkson’s leadership.
🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭
— ontwerp.eth (@ontwerpy) August 25, 2023
Many people noted how happy and proud they were to see Clarkson come back and play for the Philippines, no matter how Friday’s game ended.
Still, they are hoping they have more luck in their next game, or else they will face elimination in the opening round.
I’m already so proud that Jordan Clarkson is playing for our country, but the way he played is much more admirable. 😭❤️
— KD ⁷ | ꒰๑´•.̫ • `๑꒱ 💜 (@kimdrosario) August 25, 2023
Several people said that Clarkson was easily the best player in the game.
That’s impressive, especially since the Dominican Republic team had Karl-Anthony Towns in their lineup.
Best player on the court
— one (@felixunagi) August 25, 2023
Multiple people said that Gilas Pilipinas will continue to fail unless they change something.
“Jordan Clarkson had no help,” one fan said.
Jordan Clarkson had no help.
The rest of the team are just absent, dribbled around, wasted time. There was no system in place.Replace Chot Reyes FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. Bring back Tab Baldwin. #GilasPilipinas
— Darth Vader (@MyNewEmpire2005) August 25, 2023
Even more pressure will be on the Philippines in the next game because they are now getting close to elimination.
Being the host nation for this World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas was hoping to go far in the tournament but all of that is now in jeopardy.
You can expect to see a lot more from Clarkson in the next game, as he was easily the most important and impressive part of his team on Friday.
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