Can Jordan Clarkson join Gilas Pilipinas?
By Jonas Davis
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 01 May 2017
Los Angeles Lakers star Jordan Clarkson has emerged this season as one of the premier guards in the NBA. Clarkson, who signed a 4-year, 55 million dollar deal during the off season with the Lakers, has averaged 15 points per game and played all 82 games. Despite the Lakers' missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year, the future is looking bright for Clarkson and the Lakers, having won 5 straight games before the season ended and improved their total wins of 17 from last season, to 26 for this year's season. With the NBA playoffs in full effect, the Lakers find themselves just spectating again with no post-season games to be played. Jordan Clarkson and his teammates fill this void by spending time with the fans at some local events.
In a recent exclusive interview with Jordan's father, Michael Clarkson, at a Filipino community sponsored relaunching event in Baldwin Park, CA., he had this interesting thing to say regarding his son's status on the possibility of him playing for Gilas PIlipinas.
"When you talk about my son, Jordan and the Gilas Philippines, Jordan has reached out to them and is very interested in being an active part of the Gilas team's program."
Photos by Jhay Otamias.
It was reported from various Philippine media outlets months ago that Jordan's eligibility status is still pending and that he needs to prove to FIBA that he is a Filipino.
But while his immigration lawyers are sorting that out, the real question lies in how much does Gilas Pilipinas really want him to play for the team. If Jordan is not able to prove that he is a Filipino, then he can still actually suit up for the team as a Naturalized player. Currently the team has featured center Andre Blatche as its Naturalized player who plays an integral part of the team given the lack of size and height the team desperately needs. Unfortunately, under FIBA regulations, a team can only have one naturalized player. The Gilas would prefer Blatche and Clarkson together as opposed to choosing one over the other. It is essential that Clarkson plays for the team as a Filipino so the Gilas retains Blatche on the roster. With two players having NBA experience potentially in the lineup, the team will definitely have a better chance of qualifying for the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Basketball Cup and hopefully elevate the Philippines team's stock as one of the elite teams in the basketball world.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jonas Davis.
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