Guiao: ‘Hindi ko alam sino itatapat ng China sa kanya’

 

 

 

JAKARTA, Indonesia  – The Philippine men’s basketball team may still be the underdog in its clash against China at 5 pm (Manila time) on Tuesday, August 21, but coach Yeng Guiao thinks Jordan Clarkson remains a class above the rest in the 18th Asian Games.

“Wala pa akong nakita. I’ve watched Korea, China, Japan, Iran. I don’t think skill-wise may tatapat sa kanya,” said Guiao. “I think he’s a class of his own in this Asian Games.”

(I haven’t seen anyone come close. I’ve watched Korea, China, Japan, Iran. I don’t think skill-wise anyone can match up.)  

Having played with two NBA legends – Kobe Bryant with the LA Lakers and LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers — Clarkson could bring a lot on the table.

And that makes the Rain or Shine-led Philippine team a lot quicker, deadlier and more stable in the backcourt.

“Nadagdagan ang quickness natin sa pagdating si Clarkson (We’re quicker with Clarkson),” Guiao added. “Jordan’s mentality is he can control the game just by his decision-making not to mention his skills and physical abilities.”

“If you give him the ball and make him create, it’s either he will find the open guy or he will score. A lot of PBA imports don’t get to that level. They have the physical skills, they have the size and they have the abilities, but at a young age, it’s really the mental aspect of the game [that sets him apart]. How he reads the game, how he makes decision, how he chooses his options, I think that’s the difference,” he added.

Clarkson’s mettle will be tested in Tuesday’s game with the mighty Chinese squad.

Guiao said his wards will use their quickness to the fullest to make up for their height disadvantage.

“Kung mabilis tayong mga Pinoy, sobrang bilis nito. He’s incredibly quick, fast and he’s got quick reflexes. On a match up situation, hindi ko alam sino itatapat ng China sa kanya.”

(If Filipinos are quick, he’s a lot faster. He’s incredibly quick, fast and he’s got quick reflexes. On a match up situation, I don’t know who China will pit against him). – Rappler.com