Jordan Clarkson and Justin Brownlee. –FIBA PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines—The mere presence of NBA star Jordan Clarkson in training camp automatically boosts Gilas Pilipinas’ play and morale.
That’s how Justin Brownlee sees it even though he won’t get the chance to be on the court with the Utah Jazz guard at the upcoming Fiba World Cup.
“[Having Clarkson] feels great. To be honest a guy like that, you see him and watch him play, you can learn so many different things,” Brownlee, who was the other naturalized player Gilas considered before opting to go with Clarkson for the World Cup, said on Tuesday during the media launch of Gilas and Max’s partnership in Quezon City.
Brownlee has picked up a lot from just watching Clarkson work in practice even though the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year just started practicing with Gilas last Wednesday.
“Those little things, how he comes off ball screens. It could be anything, so I think that’s a great addition to the team,” the resident Barangay Ginebra import said.
“Him (Clarkson) coming on board, I think, is gonna make the team jump a whole bunch of levels. I think he’s great,” Brownlee added.
Edu-Towns matchup
FILE – AJ Edu. –FIBA PHOTO
Gilas kicks off its World Cup campaign on August 25 at Philippine Arena against the Dominican Republic.
It will also be the debut of AJ Edu in the men’s division where is set to go up against one of the best big men in basketball today in Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns.
But Brownlee has confidence in the capability of Edu, who recently showed his worth in Gilas’ tuneup games.
“AJ has shown great potential, but I guess we have to wait and see. I am very confident in him going against anybody though,” Brownlee said.
“He’s proven that he’s a great competitor and that he will do anything to win.”