FILE – Jordan Clarkson during one of his practices with Gilas Pilipinas. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Gilas Pilipinas needs a lift in the coming Asian Games and Jordan Clarkson can definitely provide the star power to fill in the gaps.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is now actively preoccupied in bringing the Filipino-American from the Cleveland Cavaliers to play for the men’s basketball team in the Games scheduled Aug. 18-Sept. 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said he was briefed by SBP officials on the proposed plan to include the 6-foot-5 guard in the lineup.
“Clarkson will be a great addition to the team in the Asian Games. I was told that they are now working on getting him in time for the competition,’’ Marcial told the Inquirer.
Beefed up by PBA players and naturalized center Marcus Douthit, the Philippines placed seventh in the previous Asian Games in 2014 held in Incheon, South Korea.
Though Gilas was depleted after figuring in an ugly brawl with the Australian men’s basketball team, the suspensions levied by the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) on 10 Filipino players will in no way affect the country’s participation in the Asian Games.
But bringing over Clarkson, who holds a Philippine passport, will be quite tricky for the SBP.
The local basketball federation should first get the approval of the Cavaliers and work around a schedule that will not run in conflict with Clarkson’s commitments in the NBA.
“It’s an option we are exploring,’’ said SBP president Al Panlilio in a text message.
Once approved by the Cavaliers management, the Philippine Olympic Committee will seek the blessings of the Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee (Inasgoc) to facilitate Clarkson’s accreditation.