Jordan Clarkson cleared to play for Philippines in Asian Games

FILE – Jordan Clarkson dunks the ball during Gilas Pilipinas practice. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

In what has been a whirlwind of events, Jordan Clarkson will play for the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games after all.

The Fil-American Clarkson, who was initially denied clearance by the NBA, has now been given the go-signal by the league to suit up for the Philippine team in the continental games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

National team head coach Yeng Guiao confirmed the development to INQUIRER.net on Tuesday.

With Clarkson given the green light, Guiao said he has reinstated the Cleveland Cavaliers guard in the final 12-man lineup in place of Don Trollano.

“Our manager Butch Antonio was instructed to reinsert his (Clarkson) name in the lineup in lieu of Don Trollano,” said Guiao.

It’s been a frantic sequence of events the past several days for the Philippine team especially for Don Trollano, who was in and out of the roster.

Trollano gave way to Clarkson when the final lineup was first announced by Guiao on Friday, but served as replacement when the NBA originally gave the former Los Angeles Laker a thumbs down on Sunday.

On Monday, the TNT swingman officially replaced Clarkson in the roster, but only to be removed yet again.

The Philippines plays Kazakhstan in its opening game before taking on China on August 21.