MANILA — Jordan Clarkson expressed his dismay over the decision of the NBA not to allow him to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games.
“I am terribly disappointed to say that I have not received the required consent to participate in the upcoming Asian Games with our National Team,” the Cleveland Cavaliers guard said in a statement.
Clarkson, who was supposed to fly in to the Philippines to join Gilas in practice before heading to Jakarta for the tournament proper, decided to cancel his flight because of the league’s move owing to the quirk to its agreement with FIBA in which the likes of the Asiad are not included in the list of the international competitions where the NBA players can play for national team-wise.
“Although I will not be there in person, I will be with my Gilas teammates in heart and spirit,” he added.
Clarkson has been replaced in the lineup by Don Trollano.
Despite the setback, Clarkson, who is actually cleared by the league to play in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, remains hopeful that he will be part of Gilas soon.
“My desire and ambition to play with my countrymen in the future remains resolute and I am adamant that this dream will come true!” Clarkson said.