MANILA — Jordan Clarkson will not play for Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard failed to get the green light from the National Basketball Association (NBA) to suit up for Gilas in Jakarta despite getting the go signal from his club and the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee.
“The NBA’s agreement with FIBA stipulates that NBA players can participate in the Olympics, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Continental Cup competitions, and associated qualifying tournaments. Because the Asian Games are not one of those competitions, NBA players are unable to participate,” Tim Frank, the league’s spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday.
However, Frank clarified, “In accordance with the NBA’s agreement with FIBA, Jordan is welcome to represent the Philippines in the agreed-upon competitions,” basically meaning that Clarkson can suit up for Gilas in the fourth window of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Guiao looks to bring Trollano in
With Clarkson barred from playing for the Asiad, Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao will likely bring in Don Trollano to complete his lineup.
“Kung pwede nating maihabol pa yung isang player, habol natin (If we can bring in another player, we will try to do it),” Guiao said.
The current NLEX mentor said Gilas will still be ready even if the move to replace Clarkson with Trollano will be disapproved.
“Kung hindi [maihabol] (If it won’t be allowed), we’ll stay with 11 players,” Guiao added.