Jordan Clarkson enjoyed a breakout rookie season, continued his strong play into the Las Vegas Summer League, and, via recent summer workouts, looks like he’s ready for the season to start. But before he suits up for the Lakers, he may be wearing the uniform of the Philippine National Team at the FIBA Asia Championship being held in China in late September.
From a report by Ryan Songalia of Rappler.com:
But the name that is sure to draw the most attention is the inclusion of Jordan Clarkson, the Filipino-American Los Angeles Lakers guard whose eligibility to play for Gilas Pilipinas as a “natural born” player was revealed this week by SBP. Clarkson arrived in Manila on Monday night amid high hopes and intrigue over news of his possible eligibility.
It has been an open question whether Clarkson, whose mother is Filipino, was actually eligible to play for the Philippine National team as a “natural born” player. The team, apparently, had tried to recruit him several years ago, but it was believed he was ineligible to play as a natural born player and would have to be naturalized (a la former Net Andray Blatche) in order to suit up for the National Team.
However, per a previous report at Rappler, the governing body of Philippine Basketball is saying that Clarkson does, in fact, qualify:
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Director Sonny Barrios told Rappler on Monday in a phone call that reports of Clarkson’s eligibility to play as a “natural born” Filipino player were true.
Barrios says that the 23-year-old Clarkson has held a Philippine passport for 11 years – making him a pre-teen when he became a citizen.
“In 2004, if I’m not mistaken,” Barrios said.
Barrios said that Clarkson’s camp submitted his documents and that the SBP knew that he acquired his Filipino passport before turning 16 even during Clarkson’s first visit to the Philippines back in May.
“We just didn’t tell it to the public,” said Barrios, who says that SBP wanted to submit the Laker guard’s other documents required by FIBA for his eligibility before making the news public.
“He’s submitted his documents,” Barrios said. “It has been submitted to FIBA, who’s asking for supporting documents. As we speak, those are being submitted to them.”
Some of the supporting documents being requested for include Clarkson’s birth certificate and other legal documents of his mom, Annette, who was born in Angeles, Pampanga.
There is still question whether Clarkson will be allowed to play for the team as FIBA will need to approve his final inclusion. While, as stated above, the Philippine Basketball governing body is claiming Clarkson as a natural born player, documentation will need to be provided to back up this notion and FIBA will have final sign off.
In saying that, the hope is that Clarkson will join the team. There are high hopes for the group, especially after a nice performance in the 2014 FIBA World Cup where the team showed good fight in several games, narrowly losing to Argentina and Croatia in some entertaining match ups. With Clarkson potentially in the fold, the team can make a push towards making the 2016 Olympics by winning the tournament in China.
Calvin says
Yes!!! Let’s go, JC! Lead the Philippines in Rio next year! #Puso
rr says
This will be pretty exciting for Clarkson.
bleedpurplegold says
I wonder why JC wants to play for them….if he develops his game and his leadership, i think he could also play for team USA in a couple of years….so while i think it is a great experience to have for a young guy to be leader of men in an international competiton, i think his decision could backfire…..furthermore, you have to consider the load he has to carry for them in a meaningless tournament(does that asian championship really count for anything?!?) )….hope he doesnt get hurt and will be 100% coming back to training camp…..
Speaking of international competition, the european chamionship is right around the corner…whos gonna watch it?!? Germany (with dirk and 2-3 other nba players), spain(gasols, navarro, rudy), italy(gallinari) and turkey(best youth in europe, plus ersan and hedo) in a group, will be fun to watch! 🙂
(by the way: i wouldnt question clarksons decision if he would play for, say, france or spain against high level competition)
BigCitySid says
– Yahoo sports is reporting the Lakers are talking to 35 year old Ron Artest about a return to the team. Not sure what’s that about, he can’t be returning as a player can he? Is this the first player move made under Ryan West?
– Hearing Kobe loves the move. Just what the Lakers need, another senior citizen to take minutes from developing young players.
Jazzy J says
Nice. Kid can use all the experience he can get.
PurpleBlood says
Happy for Clarkson, & yes, hope he avoids injury –
As to why he should be participating at all: it´s probably very simple: his mother, & extended family back in the Phillipines, would very proud..isn´t that enough reason for the young fella to want to be part of that squad? They are his roots after all.
___
Mid,
re: R. West: allow me to paraphrase: `give Ryan a chance´ 😉
BigCitySid says
-Thought I posted the link to the Ron Artest story previously:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources–lakers-considering-signing-metta-world-peace-000124217.html
Robert says
BCS: ” he can’t be returning as a player can he?” Would you prefer he be added to the coaching staff? : )
Perhaps Byron just can’t take dealing with youngsters all day, and needs some Peace of mind.
Lexie says
If JC played for the Philippines and lead them to the Olympics that would be a huge success for his career and can expedite his development as leader which Lakers wish to happened. And to play for a country who loves basketball like crazy that is also a huge PR for him and the Lakers and could be the next sport icon in the Philippines after Manny Pacquiao..
Anon says
Awesome news! I think the Philippines are the most basketball crazy on earth. Hopefully he makes his mark with the national team.