Clarkson, who arrived in Manila on Monday, August 24, is now in the country as he’s set to observe the Philippine national basketball team’s practices ahead of the Jones Cup in Taiwan later this month and FIBA Asia Championship in September.
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Clarkson, who initially went to the Philippines for a promotional appearance, even had a separate shooting session after practice. While it’s now unclear if Clarkson is eligible to play with the Philippines, his mother is Filipino and the 23-year-old is reportedly flying to Chinese-Tapei to be with the team on Sunday.
“At the moment, he’s not yet cleared as he has pending issues like the approval of LA Lakers and his FIBA eligibility”, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios clarifies.
While the Los Angeles Lakers struggled at the 2015 National Basketball Association Summer League with a disappointing results, the former University of Missouri star Jordan Clarkson exhibit a significant improvement, averaging a 16.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 32.4 minutes.
Clarkson had signified his intentions to suit up for the team but the problem is that he can only play as a naturalized player.
The SBP chief concluded by saying that Clarkson won’t be a naturalized player, but will be classified as a “natural born” player.
Unless FIBA for some reason relaxes its stand on the ruling, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin is not likely to end up sacrificing the slot of a big man for a guard, meaning Clarkson suiting up for his home country for now seems unlikely.
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Lakers spokesman John Black told that they are aware of the situation, but they are not ready to give further statement.
