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NBA explains decision to disallow Clarkson for Asiad

No Jordan Clarkson to Indonesia for the Asian Games says the NBA. USA Today (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--It's now official. Jordan Clarkson will not play for Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games.

A statement by NBA spokesman Tim Frank on Sunday confirmed earlier reports the day before that the Cleveland guard failed to get the green light from the league to suit up for Gilas in Jakarta.

"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," Frank stated.

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.

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