The much-awaited 2023 FIBA World Cup is approaching soon. And the basketball world is preparing for a historic showdown. As 32 nations get ready to compete for gold on the floor, fans are avidly analyzing the rosters of their favorite teams as the tip-off approaches.

As the formidable co-host and a team with high hopes for the next tournament, Gilas Pilipinas is the focus of all attention. The Philippines has a long history of basketball brilliance in Asia and has always been a dominant force in the game. Adding fuel to the flames, rising talent Kai Sotto and international superstar Jordan Clarkson have joined forces. And now that Kobe Bryant is inked on his body, can Jordan Clarkson channel his ‘Mamba Mentality’ and help the Philippines FIBA Roster surprise the world?

Can Jordan Clarkson channel his ‘Mamba Mentality’?

Jordan Clarkson remains one of the few active players who got the privilege of playing on the court alongside the famous Kobe Bryant. Clarkson wore the recognizable Lakers jersey between 2014 and 2018. And it was during those formative years that he forged a lifelong bond with the late basketball legend.

Clarkson played for the Los Angeles Lakers during a critical time in the team’s history when Bryant’s presence was still felt strongly. He had the honor of witnessing Bryant’s unflagging dedication to the game along with his ‘Mamba Mindset’. Notably, Clarkson was present for Bryant’s final season in 2016, which ended with an emotional farewell by Bryant’s evocative “Mamba out!“. And consequently, Kobe’s passing had a profound impact on Clarkson.

Two years after his passing, Jordan Clarkson permanently inked a symbol of their friendship on his skin as a touching tribute to the basketball legend. The tattoo pays homage to Bryant’s renowned moniker by showing both athletes side by side, surrounded by the iconic “Mamba” snake.

Being around Kobe Bryant during his rookie days, the Mamba effect has rubbed off on Clarkson. He spoke to FIBA about his tattoo and Kobe, calling him Clarkson’s “GOAT“.

He said, “It meant a lot, you know, being around him in my early years. Definitely my GOAT. A guy that I learned a lot from. And he taught me so much. He means a lot to my career and, you know, the game of basketball.”

Following Kobe’s retirement, Clarkson even attended a few training sessions at Mamba Sports Academy. “Those were like the best two days of my summer”, Clarkson spoke to Cleveland.com in 2019. Further adding, “He sat us down and we had a whole schedule. I feel like those two days I learned so much and it was great. Amazing process.”

During the training camp, the attendees, including Clarkson, received extensive training. “The insight he gave us was great,” Clarkson revealed. “[Kobe] He showed us how to make the game easier. One big thing he was hitting on was getting an assist to get another assist. It was stuff like that. Showing you how to set up guys, play in the pick and roll. It was everything. He was coaching and basically broke everything down for us.”

The ‘Mamba Mentality’ is something Clarkson is very committed to upholding. And it shows in his attitude and plays on the court. His tattoo is a visual representation of how Bryant shaped him as a person and a player. But can a tattoo really capture and express such an intense state of mind?

As the FIBA World Cup nears, attention is now on Clarkson’s capacity to put his homage into practice. Can he call upon Bryant’s unwavering ‘Mamba Mentality’ through the ink imprinted onto his skin? All eyes will be on Clarkson to see if he can turn his tribute into a springboard for success as the Philippines FIBA team targets victory.

Meanwhile, let’s take a look at who Clarkson will play alongside.

Gilas Pilipinas reveals 2023 FIBA roster

Gilas Pilipinas has formally unveiled its impressive 12-man roster for the eagerly awaited FIBA World Cup 2023. This team’s lineup is a tasteful blend of seasoned veterans and bright young stars. Jordan Clarkson, June Mar Fajardo, and Japeth Aguilar‘s presence in the team is significant since it secures their third consecutive World Cup appearance, an unprecedented record in Filipino basketball history.

You can also read: Which Country Has the Most NBA All-Stars in FIBA World Cup?

This year’s Gilas Pilipinas team stands an amazing 6’5 on average, possibly making it the tallest Philippine lineup ever put together for the World Cup. Notably, with a remarkable 7’3 record, Kai Sotto stands as the tallest. Six members of the team are from leagues other than the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), including Jordan Clarkson. He made history by being the first active NBA player to don the Gilas uniform.

The age range of the team raises the roster’s interest level even further. The youngest Filipino to compete in the World Cup is Kai Sotto, who is only 21 years old. June Mar Fajardo, 33, provides a wealth of experience to the team. Chot Reyes, a legendary name in Filipino basketball coaching, created history by being the first Filipino to coach a team twice at the FIBA World Cup. Reyes, who led the squad in the 2014 tournament, will again lead Gilas Pilipinas.

Take a look at the complete roster:

Who are you rooting for in the FIBA Cup? Let us know in the comments below!

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