Jordan Clarkson: A Perfect Fit for the Gilas Pilipinas System? Coach Tim Explains

Jordan Clarkson, the NBA player with Filipino heritage, has been a game-changer for the Philippine national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas. His inclusion in the squad has brought about significant anticipation and excitement among Filipino basketball fans, who have long awaited his official participation in international competitions. The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where Clarkson was instrumental, provided a glimpse of his impact on the team. But the question remains: Is Jordan Clarkson a good fit for the Gilas system?

To answer this, we need to understand both Clarkson’s style of play and how Coach Tim Cone, the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas, has adapted to integrate him into the team. In this article, we will explore why Clarkson is indeed a good fit for the Gilas system and the insights Coach Tim Cone has shared regarding the challenges and advantages of coaching an NBA-caliber player like Clarkson.

Clarkson’s Skill Set and Playing Style

Before diving into how he fits within the Gilas system, let’s first understand the skill set and playing style that Clarkson brings to the table. Clarkson is a versatile guard, primarily known for his scoring ability. His style of play is characterized by excellent ball-handling skills, strong driving ability, and an ability to create his own shot. His capability to both score and facilitate makes him a dual threat on the court.

Clarkson is an adept scorer, capable of scoring in a variety of ways, including long-range shooting, mid-range jumpers, and finishes at the rim. He has a solid three-point shot, which adds depth to any offense. He’s also a solid pick-and-roll player, making him an excellent option for the Filipino team’s offensive schemes.

Furthermore, Clarkson’s experience in the NBA has honed his basketball IQ, giving him the tools to read defenses effectively, anticipate plays, and execute in high-pressure situations. He is also known for his ability to thrive in isolation situations, where he can break down defenders and create scoring opportunities on his own.

The Gilas Pilipinas System

Coach Tim Cone is renowned for his tactical acumen and experience in leading teams to success. He has won numerous championships with the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and has a deep understanding of how to build a winning system. Under his leadership, the Gilas program has also evolved, emphasizing quick ball movement, high basketball IQ, and adaptability to international competition.

The Gilas system is a blend of traditional Filipino basketball strengths and a more modern, up-tempo style of play that can compete against the best in the world. Filipino basketball has always been known for its “pasa-pasa” (passing) game, where players prioritize team-oriented playmaking. This style fits well with Coach Cone’s principles of spacing, ball movement, and playing unselfishly. However, Gilas also recognizes the need to keep up with the athleticism, physicality, and tactical sophistication that teams from countries like the USA, Spain, and Serbia bring to the global basketball stage.

One of the challenges faced by Gilas Pilipinas, particularly in international competitions, is the height and size disadvantage they often face against other teams. While the Philippines may not be known for its towering players, they have always relied on speed, agility, teamwork, and outside shooting to overcome this gap.

This is where Jordan Clarkson’s inclusion has been an absolute game-changer for the Gilas program.

Clarkson’s Role in the Gilas System

1. Leadership and Scoring Presence: Jordan Clarkson’s NBA pedigree brings with it a level of maturity, poise, and leadership that the Philippine team sorely needs on the international stage. Coach Tim Cone has often spoken about the leadership role Clarkson plays within the team, especially in crunch-time situations. With his scoring ability, Clarkson serves as the focal point of Gilas’ offense, offering a dependable source of points. His scoring ability in clutch moments has allowed Gilas to stay competitive against more established basketball powers.

2. Versatility and Adaptability: Clarkson’s adaptability to different systems is another reason why he fits so well into Coach Tim Cone’s approach. The Gilas system requires versatility, and Clarkson can fill multiple roles—whether it’s as a primary ball handler or as a scoring guard who can stretch the floor. Coach Tim has noted that Clarkson is incredibly coachable and willing to adjust to the needs of the team, making him an ideal player for the system. His ability to read the game allows him to function as both a scorer and a playmaker, seamlessly blending with the team’s need for fast ball movement and offensive fluidity.

3. Relieving Pressure on Other Players: Gilas has always had talented players like June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, and Kai Sotto, but none have had the offensive consistency that Clarkson brings. His ability to create his own shot allows the team to play with more freedom, knowing they have a reliable scoring option. This takes the pressure off other players, enabling them to focus on their roles in the system without feeling burdened by the need to consistently generate offense. Coach Tim has highlighted how Clarkson’s presence allows players to develop a more balanced game, as the team doesn’t rely on a single individual to carry the offensive load.

4. International Experience: One of the most significant advantages of having Clarkson on the Gilas squad is his wealth of international experience. Playing in the NBA has exposed Clarkson to some of the best basketball players and teams in the world. This experience provides him with an unmatched level of composure and maturity when playing against top-tier international competition. In games where tensions rise and pressure mounts, Clarkson’s experience becomes invaluable. Coach Tim Cone has emphasized the importance of Clarkson’s experience in helping Gilas navigate the complexities of international basketball, particularly against teams with NBA-level talent.

Coach Tim Cone’s Perspective on Clarkson

Coach Tim Cone has spoken highly of Jordan Clarkson’s impact on the team. He recognizes that while Clarkson is an incredibly talented player, his success with Gilas is not just a product of his individual skill, but his willingness to integrate into the team’s system. Coach Tim has noted that Clarkson’s work ethic and openness to learning have made the transition into the Gilas system relatively smooth.

In interviews, Coach Cone has mentioned that integrating an NBA player like Clarkson into the Filipino system requires balancing individual playmaking with the team’s emphasis on unselfishness. While Clarkson is undoubtedly capable of taking over games and scoring in bunches, Coach Tim emphasizes the importance of making sure he stays within the framework of the team’s principles, focusing on ball movement and teamwork.

Coach Tim has also stressed the importance of using Clarkson’s unique talents to complement the strengths of other players. For example, his ability to score off the pick-and-roll allows the big men like Fajardo or Aguilar to operate in space and exploit mismatches. At the same time, Clarkson’s defensive abilities, although not as highlighted as his offensive prowess, are also an important part of Gilas’ overall defensive schemes.

In terms of challenges, Coach Tim has pointed out that there are times when Clarkson’s individual instincts—his desire to create plays or score—can momentarily clash with the team-first philosophy that Gilas often emphasizes. However, Coach Tim has worked closely with Clarkson to ensure that he buys into the collective effort required to succeed in international basketball, where teamwork and disciplined execution are paramount.

Conclusion

Jordan Clarkson’s fit within the Gilas system under Coach Tim Cone has been nothing short of exceptional. His skills, leadership, and international experience make him an invaluable asset to the team. Coach Tim’s ability to incorporate Clarkson’s individual talents into a team-oriented system has allowed the Filipino squad to maximize their strengths and compete with some of the best basketball teams in the world.

As the Philippines continues to rise on the international basketball stage, the partnership between Jordan Clarkson and Coach Tim Cone will undoubtedly be crucial in driving the team toward greater success. With Clarkson on board, Gilas has a much-needed scoring dynamo, a versatile playmaker, and a leader who can help the team compete at the highest level. In short, Clarkson is not just a good fit for the Gilas system; he is one of the key pieces that can elevate the team to new heights in international basketball.