Getting Jordan Clarkson into the Philippines’ colors for the 2018 Asian Games is easier said than done.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas admitted that they will face plenty of obstacles before securing the services of the Fil-American NBA cager for the quadrennial meet set on August 18 to September 2 in Indonesia.
According to the federation, they are already negotiating with Clarkson’s camp. However, there is no guarantee, as they also have to go through his mother team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the NBA for permission.
“Concurrently we’re negotiating with him on the possibility of playing in the Asian Games,” said SBP president Al Panlilio. “Also concurrently, he needs to seek permission from the Cavs and the NBA.
“Lahat yan sabay-sabay nangyayari.”
But even if the Cavaliers organization and the NBA give Clarkson the approval, it doesn’t guarantee his inclusion, as his eligibility will still be assessed by the Olympic Council of Asia.
“We plan to submit [Clarkson’s name]. It’s up to OCA whether he’s eligibile to play in the Asian Games,” said Panlilio.
Given that, Panlilio and SBP are clinging to the hope that the OCA will identify Clarkson as a legitimate Filipino – the Council has a different set of eligibility rules compared to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
“But we’re still hoping that … He’s really Filipino, unlike Andray [Blatche] who was naturalized. Si Clarkson is really Pinoy. Pinoy talaga si Clarkson,” Panlilio said, as Clarkson has had a Philippine passport since he was 12 years old.
With all the uncertainties regarding Clarkson and his much-anticipated participation with Gilas, Panlilio is hoping for nothing but the best.
“From an SBP point of view, I’m hoping everything falls into place.”
