Playing With Jordan Clarkson And Kai Sotto Is Something Chris Newsome Will Remember Forever
After getting the nod from FIBA to be classified as a local, Chris Newsome finally suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in Window 4 of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers against Lebanon on August 22. 2022.
The national team lost to Lebanon 85 - 81 though. For the Meralco Bolts captain however, playing alongside 7'3" center Kai Sotto and Fil-Am NBA superstar Jordan Clarkson made his first ever FIBA sanctioned game extra special.
"[FIBA] World Cup Qualifiers – it was a crazy experience because there was so much going on at the time, qualified for Window Four, "Newsome said. "Just being part of that whole journey was nice to see."
The Gilas guard was simply amazed at how an NBA superstar like Clarkson to be always at peak form despite the tight schedule of games of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
"Nice to see, you know, an NBA superstar and how he runs his programs and how he works out and how he goes into his recovery process," Newsome recalled. "Just all those little things, you get to see what the best – some of the best players in the world do act what they do and what they act like. And you know, that's an experience that I'm definitely gonna remember and tell my kids about."
Despite losing to the Cedars in Lebanon, Jordan Clarkson brought energy and excitement to Gilas.
"Just that one window itself and we fell short with our game against Lebanon. But you know that game could've went any way," the Meralco Bolts captain said. "But just the excitement and intensity that JC [Jordan Clarkson] brought, it was nice to see because, you know you always get to see it on TV. But it's another whenever you get to see it in person."
Newsome was just delighted and amazed of Kai Sotto's growth as a player. Sharing the court with a young talent like him was a great experience for the Gilas guard.
"Getting to play with Kai and watching him at the Ateneo High School is kind of seeing him grow into who he is now. It's been crazy to watch," the former Ateneo Blue Eagle shared. "To finally be teammates with him and to share their court with him and again just to compete on a global scale with Kai as well, is a great experience. I'm wishing the best for him. And I know he has big dreams and I believe that he's definitely gonna be able to accomplish those as long as she stays healthy. Of course, he keeps working hard, so definitely, I'm rooting for Kai."
The Gilas guard recalled the reception of the Filipino crowd on Jordan Clarkson's first home game against Saudi Arabia at SM Mall of Asia on August 29, 2022.
"Coming back home to our first home game, you know, the whole crowd was really excited to see us. Of course, a lot of that is because of JC [Jordan Clarkson] and Kai [Sotto]," Newsome reckoned. "Just the superstar power that he has, but you know, the Filipino fans showed up. I think we gave them a good show and got the win against Saudi."
The Jordan Clarkson experience and playing with Kai Sotto in his first game for Gilas Pilipinas in Window 4 of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers is something Chris Newsome will never forget.
"I think it was just a great experience to be able to be a part of Jordan Clarkson's first home appearance," Newsome said with a smile. "That's just something I'll remember for the rest of my life. But hopefully it's not the last and I'm excited that the World Cup is just ahead – the World Cup is coming. We're gonna see JC again. We're going to start working out, training really hard and getting ready for that. Hopefully we could make some history, make some noise come World Cup.