SBP bares Gilas lineup for FIBA Asia
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) left FilAmerican NBA cager Jordan Clarkson out of the final roster for the FIBA Asia Championship in Changsa, China, leaving Gilas Pilipinas with a team composed of familiar faces, newcomers and even old warriors.
In a statement released last night, the SBP said that it exerted all efforts necessary to include the Los Angeles Lakers guard in the final 12 but failed to meet the deadline to secure the needed clearances.
Making the cut were naturalized center Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Asi Taulava, Dondon Hontiveros, Sonny Thoss and newbies Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and JC Intal.
“We did all that we could to have Jordan Clarkson join Gilas for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship but we are saddened to report that we are not able to beat the deadline to secure the necessary clearances on time,” the SBP said.
“Although we pushed the boundaries whenever possible, this process cannot be rushed if it were to be done properly.”
The failed inclusion of Clarkson in the Rio Olympics qualifier came after SBP Vice Chairman Ricky Vargas and former PBA Chairman Pato Gregorio went to Los Angeles to ask Lakers officials permission to allow Clarkson to play the whole duration of the Asian Championship.
SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios also went to Geneva, Switzerland to personally attend to the guidelines set by FIBA regarding Clarkson’s status.
But FIBA said it will need more time before it declares whether Clarkson is eligible to represent the Philippines as a local.
“The interest and passion of Jordan Clarkson himself with the full support of his family, to don the Gilas jersey serves as a reason for SBP to be hopeful,” the SBP statement also said.
“Though the doors on the 2015 FIBA Asia meet have been closed, the future of the national team program is encouraging with Clarkson’s desire to represent flag and country. Finalizing the lineup for FIBA Asia was a challenge for Coach Tab Baldwin with the question on the availability of Jordan Clarkson looming.
“But now, the team shall move forward and put together a squad that will go into battle for national pride. Jordan Clarkson himself realizes that his inclusion to the Philippine Team at this late hour may possibly distract the focus of the team.”
Also out of the final 12 are Jimmy Alapag and Gary David, members of the Gilas team in the 2013 FIBA Asia and 2014 World Cup, Aldrech Ramos, Troy Rosario and Moala Tautuaa, who is considered a naturalized player under FIBA rules.
It will be the second time that Blatche will don the national colors after playing in last year’s World Cup team in Spain.
Castro, Norwood, De Ocampo and Pingris were also part of the Gilas teams under Chot Reyes, including the 2013 squad that won a silver medal at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Taulava, Hontiveros and Thoss all have represented the Nationals in previous FIBA Asia meets while giving Abueva, Romeo, Ganuelas-Rosser and Intal their first appearance in the said tourney.
Romeo, Abueva, Ganuelas-Rosser and Intal made good account for themselves in last week’s William Jones Cup in Taiwan, where Gilas went 5-2 to finish second behind champion Iran.