Can Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto lead the Philippines to basketball glory at the FIBA World Cup 2023?  

Paris 2024

With the might of the home crowd and Clarkson at the fore, the Philippines are ready to make their mark at home, on the Basketball World Cup stage. 

5 minBy Chloe Merrell
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(2023 Getty Images)

“I think we’ve got the chance to do some things”.

So said Jordan Clarkson after touching down in the Philippines on 8 August, then ready to link up with the Gilas Pilipinas ahead of their big dance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup on home soil.

Though not offering anything concrete in terms of goals for the tournament, the unmistakable dose of optimism laced into Clarkson’s words is something the co-hosts have been holding onto ahead of the competition tip-off on 25 August.

Well-known for being a basketball-loving nation, the Philippines is hoping to make the 19th edition of the World Cup unforgettable.

Already they have expressed a desire to set an all-time World Cup attendance record for a single game on the opening day when they take on the Dominican Republic in their first match.

And their ambitions for the competition are as lofty on the court as they are off it.

Gilas Pilipinas: A rich basketball heritage

When it comes to basketball pedigree it doesn’t get much richer than the Philippines.

Founder of FIBA Asia, the archipelago has one of the oldest and longest basketball traditions in the world with the sport first permeating the country in the early 1900s.

After its rapid growth, the Philippines team made the Olympics in 1936 and finished in fifth place, with a 4-1 record in the tournament.

Since then, the Gilas Pilipinas have gone on to win five Asian Cup golds, four Asian Games golds, 19 South East Asian Games titles and take bronze at the 1954 FIBA World Cup.

The latter result remains, still, the best finish for an Asian country in the tournament.

In recent times, however, the Philippines has generally struggled for traction on the world stage.

At the 2019 World Cup in the People’s Republic of China, Gilas suffered their worst performance since 1978, ending the tournament with a 0-5 record and in last place owing to its inferior point difference.

The winless campaign hurt but it was not without its lessons. And knowing that the 2023 World Cup would be at home the cogs of preparation for that inevitable moment of redemption already then, began to turn.

Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto: The stars expected to shine

One central key to the Gilas World Cup campaign this time around will be Clarkson of the Utah Jazz.

The Filipino-American, who identifies as such owing to his maternal grandmother, is a superstar within the country after his Philippines roots first became known when he entered the NBA.

After years of talks, Clarkson eventually made his debut for the Gilas back in the 2018 Asian Games where he averaged 26 points per game to lead the team to fifth place, their best showing for 16 years.

As opening statements go, it was electrifying and the Jazz man - already immensely popular back in the Philippines - won over even more fans to his cause.

Setting his sights on being at a home World Cup for the Philippines Clarkson returned to the national jersey for two tournament qualifying games where he, once again, played a pivotal averaging 25.0 points, 6.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds.

His breathtaking performances were received with open arms by local fans hoping that he will do the same when the World Cup proper gets underway.

If the prospect of a firing Clarkson wasn’t enough to inspire the Philippines then the small fact he will be on the same roster and competing for the same goal as young phenom Kai Sotto is sure to give onlookers an extra boost of excitement.

Sotto, who has had a troubled summer with a back injury sustained while playing in the NBA Summer League, has been widely regarded in recent years as the Gilas’ next big hope, standing at 7-foot-3 (2.21m) with a 2.26m wingspan.

Despite not getting selected in the 2022 NBA Draft, a strong belief persists that the young gun can still leave a great impression on his country particularly given the role bigs like Sotto can play on the international stage.

Gilas Pilipinas at 2023 FIBA World Cup: Group A

Talent, belief and support will all be things the Gilas will draw on when the World Cup action does begin.

Sitting in Group A, along with Italy, Angola and the Dominican Republic, securing passage to the second round will be a tall order for the Filipinos.

The Italians, with a special blend of seasoned veterans a young talent, are widely expected to advance out of the group in first place leaving the door ajar for another to come through in second.

The remaining teams, the Gilas, Angola and the Dominican Republic, all with NBA talent on their side, could feasibly take the remaining spot.

The Angolans will be anchored by Bruno Fernando of the Atlanta Hawks while the Dominicans will have Karl-Anthony Towns and Lester Quinones at their disposal.

If the Philippines want to make this tournament a memorable one all games from the first whistle are must-win.

Gilas Pilipinas schedule at the 2023 FIBA World Cup

The Philippines will start their tournament in Group A alongside Italy, Angola and the Dominican Republic.

*All times are in Philippine Standard Time (PST) *

Friday 25 August

  • Philippines v Dominican Republic - 20:00 - Philippine Arena

Sunday 27 August

  • Philippines v Angola - 20:00 - Araneta Coliseum

Monday 29 August

  • Philippines v Italy - 20:00 - Araneta Coliseum
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