Clarkson fuels Philippine #LetJordanPlay World Cup clamour
MANILA: NBA star Jordan Clarkson is stoking Philippine fans’ clamour to allow him to play in this year’s World Cup as their team seeks to hurdle FIBA’s eligibility rules.
The Philippine Basketball Federation (SBP) is appealing to basketball’s world-governing body to recognise Clarkson as a Filipino citizen, allowing him to play for Gilas Pilipinas who won a World Cup berth last weekend.
The Filipino-American Cleveland Cavaliers guard on Tuesday congratulated Gilas and expressed hope of joining the team again after carrying the flag for the Philippines at last year’s Asian Games.
“Such a honor for the country, qualifying for the world cup, so hyped!!! hope to see you guys in china!!!,” the 26-year-old said in an Instagram post sharing a photo of himself wearing the Philippines team jersey.
Basketball is a virtual religion in the Southeast Asian nation and enthusiastic fans were quick to comment on the post with their approval using the hashtag “#LetJordanPlay”.
Unlike the Asian Games, the World Cup operates under FIBA rules which could classify Clarkson as a “naturalised” player. FIBA restricts each team to one naturalised player.
This means the Philippines would have to choose between Clarkson and ex-Brooklyn Nets centre Andray Blatche, who acquired Filipino nationality by naturalisation.
Philippine basketball boss Al Panlilio told AFP the federation wanted FIBA to recognise that Clarkson was a Filipino by blood under local laws, adding he obtained his Filipino passport after the age 16.
The Cavaliers, who currently have the third-worst record in the 2018-2019 season, are expected to miss this year’s playoffs.
“It’s perfect timing because the NBA is on break. Definitely Jordan will help us a lot,” Panlilio told AFP. - AFP