Multiple reports confirmed the good news going into the weekend: the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) stated Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is available to suit up for the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup to be held on 2023 and is likely to join the national squad in the fourth qualifying window against Lebanon in Beirut on August 25 and Saudi Arabia at the Mall of Asia Arena on August 29 this year.
The update is a much-needed manna to alleviate the dampened millions of Pinoy hoop fans who are still mourning a lousy performance by Gilas, a ninth-place finish, at the FIBA Asia Cup.
The Philippines bowed out of the playoffs after suffering a 102-81 loss to Japan. It was the first time since 2007 Gilas missed the final eight.
SBP president Al Panlilio was quoted to have said that he was advised by Gilas team manager/SBP deputy executive director Butch Antonio that Clarkson is a go for the World Cup and possibly the coming window.
The most successful Filipino ever to graced the NBA hardcourts is said to be setting aside 10 days to play in the qualifiers and six weeks for the World Cup.
Both events fall during the NBA offseason.
Clarkson, now 30, first played for Gilas during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. He led the Philippines to fifth place, its best finish in 16 years.
Planning in mid-tournament to reinforce the squad, the now 30-year FilAm registered some memorable games that include a 22-point output during a 113-80 victory over Japan and a 29-point duty during a 109-55 rout of Syria.
As to the million-dollar question will he be considered as a local player, the issue is still a big mystery as there is no definite answer to the question yet.
At moment, Clarkson is recognized as a naturalized player by FIBA.
He is not eligible to play as a local because the SBP has yet to convince the world basketball body that the US-born player was able to secure his Philippine passport before turning 16, in accordance with FIBA rules.
This is one way Clarkson can play for Gilas in Fiba-sanctioned events is as a local player.
Another way that FIBA may agree to an exception for a player born abroad to be classified as a local is if he stayed in the Philippines for a relatively long period and contributed to the development of the game domestically, even without lineage.
Such is the case of Greg Slaughter. Although he born in the US, he studied and played for the University of the Visayas from 2007 to 2009 and transferred to Ateneo de Manila University in 2010.
He helped UV won the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men’s basketball title each year in his three-year as well as taking home the league MVP award in 2008 and 2009.
After becoming an eligible player for Ateneo in 2011, he helped the Blue Eagles get two UAAP championships and complete a five-peat.
His playing in multiple PBA seasons also helped the Philippines campaign by having him be recognized a local by FIBA.
Unfortunately, this option is not available for Clarkson.
At moment, FIBA allows a national team to include only one naturalized player in their lineup.
By: Armando M. Bolislis
