Clarkson wont suit up in Asiad

Philippines national coach Yeng Guiao and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) took a risk by including Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson on the team's 12-man Asian Games roster, but it appears that risk did not pay off as an NBA source tells ESPN that Clarkson will not play in the upcoming tournament.

Clarkson, a Filipino-American, will however be cleared to play for the country in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament, in which the Philippines has two games scheduled in September before the NBA season begins in October, according to the NBA source.

Clarkson had been part of a 12-man roster that also includes Chris Tiu, Maverick Ahanmisi, Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan, Gabe Norwood, James Yap, Poy Erram, Christian Standhardinger, Paul Lee, Stanley Pringle, and Asi Taulava. TNT's Don Trollano and Gilas cadets Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras failed to make the final cut.

SBP officials were still working late Friday on obtaining the necessary permits that would have allowed Clarkson to represent the Philippines in Indonesia. According to Guiao, who had not received word from the NBA or the Asiad organizers when speaking to ESPN5 late Friday, they were also looking to fly Clarkson to Manila before the team heads to Jakarta on August 12.

"Travel arrangements are being made for him to come over," Guiao said. "We're trying to get him to arrive before Sunday so he can at least join the Sunday morning practice. If not, he can go straight to Indonesia." —

ESPN5