Jordan Clarkson Joining Andray Blatche in the Philippines?

Jordan Clarkson is currently in Taipei with the Gilas Pilipinas/Philippine National team as an observer but don’t be surprised if the sophomore guard of the Los Angeles Lakers suddenly suits up for his hometown in the coming 2015 FIBA Asia Championships which will be held from September 23 to October 3 in Changsina, China.

It will be recalled that Clarkson would have only been able to suit up for the Philippines as a naturalized player. Though he has Filipino lineage, the problem is that the FIBA holds a ruling requiring local players to have a passport by the time they reach the age of 16.

Just a few weeks ago, it was bared that Clarkson was indeed a Philippine passport holder and that he could technically play as a local player. FIBA has yet to decide on the matter as they are asking for additional documents to support the claim.

Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin had earlier ruled out using Clarkson as a naturalized player, saving the privilege for taller players since the Philippines is sorely lacking in tall players. One player who Gilas used that on is Andray Blatche.

Blatche is however not among those playing in the 37th William Jones Cup after the naturalized center was forced to go back home to attend to family matters. Blatche spent just one night in Taipei and flew back home to pay his final respects to his uncle and be with his ailing mother.

Despite his absence, the Philippines was able to hack out a 77-69 win over Taiwan-A at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium. They will be facing arch-nemesis Korea today.

Clarkson was included in the list of players submitted to FIBA, just several days before it was announced that he was a Philippine passport holder. Assuming that the Samahan Basketbol ng Pilipinas is able to produce the necessary documents, the thought of seeing Clarkson playing alongside Blatche and the country’s top stars suddenly boosts the chances of the Philippines who will try to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Clarkson’s stint was hampered by a temporary setback last week when his father, Mike Clarkson, said that his son is unlikely to suit up for the Philippines. According to the Philippine Star, Jordan’s inclusion could be in conflict with his commitment to the Los Angeles Lakers this coming NBA season.

Jordan later on issued an official statement saying that he and his father will discuss the matter when he gets back.

“My father Mike, has always looked out for my welfare and is only genuinely concerned for my career, my future and my wellbeing. His thoughts are that of a very loving dad,” Clarkson said in a statement released by the SBP.