With just a little over two weeks before the opening day of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, co-host the Philippines finally welcomed on its shores a highly-anticipated, and highly-talented, reinforcement to bolster the Gilas Pilipinas basketball team which is set to play versus top-notch competition in Group A — the Dominican Republic, Italy, and Angola.

Jordan Clarkson, the versatile performer for the NBA’s Utah Jazz, who most recently played for Gilas Pilipinas in World Cup Qualifier games last August 2022, arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday (Aug. 8) morning, ready and raring to don the national colors.

It took Clarkson a while to travel to Manila, but with NBA-pedigree in tow, he is set to join the rest of the team, which is fresh from a pocket tournament in China, for the final preparations.

On being back in the country for the prestigious tournament, Clarkson told News 5’s Martie Bautista that it was great to be here. “Amazing. I’m just excited to be with the team again.”

The Philippine team is set to start defending its homecourt, beginning with a battle against Karl-Anthony Towns-led the Dominican Republic, on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, before what should be a record-breaking crowd.

When asked what he thought the chances of the team are, Clarkson replied, “I think we’ve got a chance to do some things.”

Surely, Clarkson will be a vital cog in the team’s plans. He provides a skill set already proven to be effective even at the highest level. Based on his past performances in a Gilas Pilipinas uniform, the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year, will continue be one of the go-to guys of coach Chot Reyes, upon whom the team can rely not merely for points, but for his multi-faceted abilities, including outstanding athleticism and quickness.

Fans will be able to witness Gilas Pilipinas’ games, and be able to take part in making history on opening day, by availing of tickets via ticketnet.com.ph. or at ticket outlets located at the Yellow Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Fishermall, Eastwood Mall, SM Aura, SM Fairview, SM Makati, SM Manila, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM San Lazaro, SM Southmall, SM Sta Mesa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Marikina, and Robinsons Department Store Galleria.

Tickets for games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, on the other hand, are on sale at smtickets.com. or at ticket outlets located at the Coral Box Office of SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM Cinemas at SM Aura, Clark, Bacolod, Davao, Baguio, Grand Central, Cebu, Manila, Batangas, Iloilo, Marilao, Megamall, BF, Lanang, North EDSA, Podium, Cagayan de Oro, Sta Rosa, and Southmall; SM Store Business Center outlets at SM Cubao, Mall of Asia, and Makati; and at the SM Skating and Leisure Center at SM Mall of Asia.