KAI SOTTO - THE KAIJU ARRIVES

Note: This is commentary.

For FIBA ASIA U16 tournament, many Gilas fans are eager to witness how Kai Sotto, the Philippines' version of unicorn, the probably once in a generation specimen will fare against tougher competition. 

The first three games were underwhelming, but when it mattered the most, trans: a match versus Japan with ticket to the world Cup in Argentina at stake, this happened:

That stellar performance helped Batang Gilas defeat Japan to book a date in Argentina. More importantly, during that game, we saw him played a significant role on an important game, no, historical game.

With a world cup ticket on hand, the game against China will be a test on how he would fare versus equally tall, hefty, but a little bit aged (evil grin) Chinese front line.

The result: for the first time in history of battling China, our front line actually won. Oh, do we need to remind everyone of this move:

We lost the game but confident that with the coming wars ahead, we have a Kaiju as a weapon.

What is important to note is this, Kai arose to the occasion. He embraced the moment, he did not falter. Sure there is so many (that would be an understatement) on his game that needs to be polished and to be improved on, no doubt and debate on that.

What's glaring though, is that he welcomes it. He is aware of not only of it, but he is aware of the expectations, and he is up to the tasks.

JORDAN CLARKSON - FILIPINO AMERICAN NBA DRAFTEE 2014

Clarkson is a 6’5′ point guard born in the Philippines, before spending much of his life in San Antonio. Size, tight ball-handling, and innate ability to get to the basket made him one of the SEC’s best players.

The junior left Missouri after a nice overall season of 18.4 points, three assists, and four rebounds. To top off filling in the stat sheet in all areas, Clarkson shot an efficient 46 percent from the field.

Clarkson’s career began at Tulsa in 2011 before transferring to Mizzou. His performances secured him a spot on Conference USA’s All-Freshman and All-Conference first team in two seasons. Clarkson’s NCAA experience will be a welcome trait to a Lakers team that is seeking young contributors like himself.

On Thursday night, Clarkson looked to become the first  Mizzou prospect since DeMarre Carroll to be selected in the first round. Many scouts had him tabbed as a late first-round selection, but he ended up being bypassed by several teams.

Dropping so far may have come as a surprise to Clarkson, and also provided a piece of motivation. His late selection is another adversity that Clarkson has overcome in his career.

During much of the 2013-14 season, Clarkson dealt with his father’s bout with cancer. He leaned on teammate Jabari Brown, and the Missouri program, while his father got healthier.

http://hoopshabit.com/2014/06/28/los-angeles-lakers-jordan-clarkson/

Jordan Clarkson, a Pinoy from San Antonio, Texas is already one of the main scoring threats for University of Missouri Tigers' head coach Frank Haith. Clarkson, 21, who sat out last season as a redshirt after transferring over from Tulsa, is certain to make all-conference honors and should continue to get better. In order for him to become an elite guard and true impact basketball player, the 6-foot-5

Clarkson will have to improve on his ball handling. Haith said that sometimes the ball gets “stuck in his hands,” which translated means he needs to be more of a facilitator. His numbers, thus far: in 37.4 minutes, he has 18.8 points per game on 79 for 165 shooting (48%). 

He is averaging four assists and less than four rebounds per game, with good shooting from past the arc (14-45) and clutch at the stripe (63-77). He’s listed on the big board as the 13th best point guard in college basketball. 

On some draft boards, Clarkson is listed as a late second round pick. The last Filipino American to play in the NBA was Raymond Townsend, who played with the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers from 1978 to 1981.

http://filamstar.net/sportsnews/1291-filams-to-watch-for-in-2014-part-1.html