NBA dashes Philippines’ Jordan dream

MANILA: A Philippines bid to have Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Jordan Clarkson play for their Asian Games team has been dashed after the National Basketball Association refused to release him.

Clarkson, who appeared off the bench in two 2018 NBA Finals games against repeat champions Golden State Warriors, was included by the basketball-crazy Asian nation in their squad last week as they tried to get his paperwork done on time.

However Clarkson, who has never played for the Philippines, and the Philippine federation (SBP) said yesterday they have been informed that the NBA would not release him for the Asiad.

“To my Filipino Brothers and Sisters, I am terribly disappointed to say that I have not received the required consent to participate in the upcoming Asian Games with our National Team,” he said on his official Facebook page.

“Despite this, my desire and ambition to play with my countrymen in the future remains resolute and I am adamant that this dream will come true! Stout Heart!” added the 26-year-old, whose maternal grandmother came from the Philippines.

“Of course, very disappointed,” SBP president Al Panlilio told AFP in a text message. “We will fight and play hard. We have always been resilient.”

SBP executive director Renauld Barrios told AFP the Asian Games was not included in the NBA’s agreement with world governing body Fiba that allows NBA players to take part in the Olympics, Fiba World Cup and continental cup competitions.

The Philippines had originally withdrawn from the Asiad men’s basketball tournament after seeing 10 of their players and two coaches hit with suspensions after an on-court brawl with Australia in a World Cup qualifier last month.