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Brownlee or Clarkson for FIBA World Cup? The Internet Debates

Brownlee or Clarkson? Who u got?
James Francisco

Justin Brownlee’s impressive display at the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers has turned a seeming no-brainer into a legit discussion: should the 3x PBA Best Import replace Jordan Clarkson in August?

In hindsight, it should have been an easy decision: Clarkson is an NBA talent who is averaging 20.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists for the 2023 season. In the fourth window of the Asian Qualifiers last August, Clarkson notched 25, 6, and 5 for Gilas, which won over Saudi Arabia and lost to Lebanon.

If instant offense is a concern for the Nationals, they need to look no further than the former Sixth Man of the Year.

However, Brownlee gets a nod for availability and team chemistry.

The naturalized player for Barangay Ginebra is currently gunning for his seventh PBA championship in the Governor’s Cup. His fellow teammates, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, and Japeth Aguilar are also on the national team. He’s also familiar with the Gilas system, having trained under coach Chot Reyes while his Filipino citizenship was underway last year.

Like Clarkson, Brownlee also has a 1-1 record with Gilas; a win against Lebanon, where he notched 17 points, before exploding for 41 in a narrow loss to Jordan.

Reyes himself said there are no shoo-ins for spots in the national team, which plans to have a three-month preparation for the FIBA World Cup. “That goes for all the local players and even the naturalized players,” said Reyes to Rappler. The long-time coach also pointed out that Ateneo’s Ange Kouame, who is out with an injury, is also a naturalized player who remains an option.

Clarkson made it known last year that he will commit to Gilas at least six weeks before the World Cup.

With FIBA only allowing one naturalized player per national team, the debate rages on. Will it be Clarkson or Brownlee (or Kouame) for a roster spot? Peep the internet’s takes below.

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Sonny Torres
Sonny Torres
1 year ago

Ni sa kalingkingan, malayung malayo si Brownlee kay Clarkson! Pati coach sana pagpilian kung sino ang mas nararapat! Reyes ba o Tim Cone or Yeng Guiao!

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