Clarkson added to Gilas Men pool for FIBA worlds

Jordan Clarkson is part of Gilas' pool for the FIBA World Cup. PSC Media Pool (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--In a surprise revelation on Monday night, Coach Yeng Guiao said that Jordan Clarkson was inserted to a 19-man pool he proposed to the SBP for Gilas Pilipinas Men's campaign in the FIBA World Cup.

And that is regardless of what happens to the SBP's appeal to consider the Cleveland Cavalier as a local instead of a naturalized player.

"Nilagay na namin sa pool na yun si Jordan Clarkson," Guiao told reporters present during the national team practice at the Meralco Gym.

However, he remains hopeful that Clarkson, who played for Gilas during the Asian Games last year, can play as a local.

"We're still hoping that a miracle happens," Guiao further said.

Unlike the Asian Games, which only requires a passport of the country a player of mixed descent wants to represent to become eligible for the said nation, FIBA requires that the said player should have attained his passport before he turned 16, something that has kept Clarkson's status for the worlds questionable.

However, Guiao is keen on playing Clarkson even as a naturalized player, especially in the case Andray Blatche gets hurt.

"At the same time, it's also a backup plan. I hope nothing happens and no harm comes to Andray, but at least we have options on the naturalized players," Guiao continued.

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