Lakers' Jordan Clarkson Suiting Up For Philippine Team?

Could Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson be playing for his hometown anytime soon?

The Fil-American sophomore is in the Philippines right now as he is set to officially become an endorser for Smart Communications Inc (Smart) for its line of products and services. But aside from that, it looks like he has other itineraries as well.

That includes initially being an observer for the Gilas Pilipinas quintet, the Philippines’ official national team.

Clarkson had signified his intentions to suit up for the team but the problem is that he can only play as a naturalized player. Clarkson was born to a Filipina mother, Annette, who hails from Angeles, Pampanga.

This stems from a FIBA ruling that requires foreign-born players to secure a passport from the country where they have lineage before they turn 16 years old. Only then can they be considered as local player to represent their country.

So why not use Clarkson as a naturalized player then?

Naturalization is normally reserved for a big man and Clarkson is a guard. The handicap in height is apparently an issue in the Philippines. At the moment, Andray Blatche is the naturalized Filipino in the lineup.

Unless FIBA for some reason relaxes its stand on the ruling, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin is not likely to end up sacrificing the slot of a big man for a guard, meaning Clarkson suiting up for his home country for now seems unlikely.

Aside from Clarkson, there is another player currently in the lineup who holds the same case – Moala Tautuaa. Tautuaa was recently made the top pick in the 2015 PBA Draft by the Talk ‘n Text squad.

Tautuaa’s case is similar to that of Clarkson as far as FIBA eligibility is concerned but the difference is that he does play the center position.

He is another player that could benefit from the FIBA ruling on categorizing local players which should give the Philippines a big boost as far as wisely using the naturalized player privilege.

The only good thing that came out of Clarkson’s interest is that when the time comes that Gilas Pilipinas would need a guard, the current Laker guard is readily available (assuming it does not conflict with his NBA schedule).

Clarkson is expected to hold basketball clinics for the youth as well. Aside from being an observer in the Philippine team practices, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas bares that Clarkson will also join the team in Taipei as the team competes in the William Jones Cup Invitational.