Jordan Clarkson gestures during a game against Lebanon in the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers in Beirut. Photo by Fiba.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has finally secured the commitment of NBA star Jordan Clarkson to play for Gilas Pilipinas in next month’s Fiba World Cup.
No less than SBP president Al S. Panlilio confirmed the development to the Inquirer on Tuesday, putting an end to a long charade on whether the Filipino-American star playing in the Utah Jazz will be the Philippines’ naturalized player for the global showcase that unfurls here, in Japan and Indonesia on Aug. 25.
Clarkson’s commitment comes at a time when Gilas is about to enter the final weeks of its coalescing.
The training squad, filled with standouts playing their trade overseas and stars from the PBA, is scheduled to play in a pocket tournament in Heyuan City, China, beginning Aug. 2.
According to Panlilio, Clarkson will be joining Gilas in the short showcase by Aug. 6.
Clarkson rejoining Gilas effectively snuffs the chances of Justin Brownlee playing as the team’s naturalized player.
Ange Kouame has been ruled out as an option on Tuesday as he is set to backstop Rain or Shine in the William Jones Cup also next month, but national coach Chot Reyes said that the former Ateneo star remains an integral cog in the Gilas build-up, providing two-time World Cupper June Mar Fajardo a proper matchup during the preps.
The Inquirer reached out to Reyes for comment on Clarkson’s decision but has yet to respond as of posting.
Clarkson suited up for the Yeng Guiao-coached Gilas Pilipinas in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. He again served the flag in during the fourth window of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers last year, averaging 25 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the matches against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
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