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| Ivan Saldajeno (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
TAGUIG--Gilas coach Tab Baldwin expressed disappointment that they will not have Jordan Clarkson playing with them for the FIBA OQT in July as well as other players of mixed heritage who wanted to suit up for their respective national teams but could not because of the same dilemma.
With the Los Angeles Lakers guard groomed to be part of the initial 24-man pool for the said tournament, where a spot in the Rio Olympics is at stake, Gilas had no choice but to let go of Clarkson after FIBA asked them to only choose between him and Andray Blatche.
"I think the world of basketball is a little bit robbed by the fact that we don't see these players on the court playing international basketball.... I feel sorry for Jordan, who is a Filipino. The basketball world wants to see these great athletes on the court during international events," Baldwin told a group of media people during the launch of the national team's new jerseys at the Kerry Sports Gym on Saturday.
[Related Story: On Cam: Gilas' new jersey]
[Related Story: On Cam: Gilas' new jersey]
Clarkson was the special guest of the event, which kicked off a weekend full of special occasions sponsored by Nike.
"I'll be giving my full support to Gilas," Clarkson said during a separate press conference also on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Baldwin insisted that a player being trained outside his motherland should not hinder him from still suiting up for his national squad.
"Just because they live there and train there doesn't mean their heritage doesn't belong to another country," he further said.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
Meanwhile, Baldwin insisted that a player being trained outside his motherland should not hinder him from still suiting up for his national squad.
"Just because they live there and train there doesn't mean their heritage doesn't belong to another country," he further said.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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