The Indonesian men’s national basketball team was supposed to parade their naturalized player Jamarr Johnson on Friday afternoon when the Indonesians took on Singapore in the opener of the 2017 SEABA Championship.
However, the 6-foot-5 forward was in street clothes during the game. He had been notified earlier that he, together with Indonesian-American Arki Wisnu, has yet to secure clearance to play in FIBA-sanctioned events.
“I was notified this morning, during practice. It was shocking,” the 28-year-old shared after Indonesia’s 71-50 win over Singapore.
“I felt kind of disappointed at first but, they say, everything takes time. Hopefully, it does not stagnate the process [of me] playing in the SEABA too much.”
To resolve Indonesia’s problem, the basketball federation of the United States of America needs to provide documentation that the New Jersey-native has never represented the USA in international competitions.
“We are waiting for the USABA to clear me but I’ve never played for the US National Team. We’re just waiting for the US to clear me,” the reigning Indonesian Basketball League most valuable player shared.
“I’ve never played [for] the US.”
Though there is no timetable on when he will be cleared, Johnson, who is playing for the CLS Knights Surabaya, is hopeful that he will be able to play when Indonesia takes on Malaysia on Saturday, May 13.
“The federation has already showed the documentation but we are just waiting for the US to reply. Waiting for that tomorrow.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m praying… All you Christians out there pray for me,” Johnson quipped.
