Lakers allow Clarkson to play for Gilas
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 03 Sep 2015
Clarkson.
Attempts to make Los Angeles Lakers' Fil-American sophomore Jordan Clarkson reinforce the Philippine team competing in the coming Olympic qualifying FIBA-Asia Championship took a positive turn when the L. A. NBA franchise granted the 6-foot-5 two-guard's request to be temporarily released for the purpose.
With the biggest thorn in his bid eliminated, the 23-year-old Carlson only needs to satisfy the requirements of FIBA International, which he has been trying to do with the help of the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas since coming back to the country a week ago.
Clarkson, son of an American father Mike and Filipina mother Annette, however, will have to report back to his old team not later than September 28, which is, most-likely, before the end of of the elimination round.
"Yeah, I think the Lakers' decision giving Jordan permission to play for us made things easier," SBP executive director Sonny Barrios told this writer by way of reacting to the L.A Lakers management's decision.
"We only have to show proof to FIBA the authenticity of Jordan's citizenship, which is already borne by his Philippine passport obtained when he was only 12 years-old," Barrio said.
Proof of Jordan's ties with the country, the Filipino people and his relatives here is also a must for the SBP to show.
"Well, we can also do that easily," Barrios added. "Jordan has been coming here back and forth for the ast two months, precisely for that purose," Barrios said.
"Before coming back here, he asked for the list of his relatives in his mother's province in Pampanga, which we gave him, that's why as soon as he flew back here last week, nagpunta na siya sa Angeles (Clarkson mother's birthplace) to mingle with his relatives and family friends."
"Love for country? Well, Jordan has been joining the Philippine team's practice sessions," Barrios assured. "He even joined the team to Taipei (for the on-going Jones Cup) to acquaint himself more of the system coach (Tab) Baldwin has set."
John Black, the Lakers' vice president for public relations, for his part, explained that the September 28 limit of the permission given for Clarkson to play is based on the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the Players' Association and the time the Lakers start preparations for the coming season.
"Based on the agreement between the NBA and the players' association, as long as national team play does not interfere with the team requirements and thre are no injury issue, it is up to the players whether or not to play," Black said as quoted by Digital Journal.
"Our players must be in Los Angeless on September 28, so as long as he would be back by then, we would have no objection to Jordan playing in the event up until that date." Black emphasized.
The Lakers begin training on October 28 or a month after Clarkson shall have returned.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
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