MANILA, Philippines -- Los Angeles Lakers Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson's Philippine passport has surfaced online following the news that he could be eligible to play as a local for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming 2015 FIBA Asia Men's Championship where the lone Asian spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics is at stake.
On Monday, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Sonny Barrios has confirmed to Philstar.com that Clarkson is indeed a Philippine passport holder and has acquired it in 2004 or since he was 12 making him eligible to play as a local for the national team.
CONFIRMED: Jordan Clarkson is a PHL passport holder
Posted by Manolo Chino Trinidad on Monday, August 24, 2015
The photo that was leaked online is Clarkson's new passport which was renewed in 2014.
READ: SBP confirms Lakers G Jordan Clarkson a PH passport holder
The SBP already included Clarkson's name in the 24-man roster submitted to the FIBA Central Board while waiting for the result of the evaluation of his papers and supporting documents. If cleared, SBP will also need the LA Lakers' go-signal for Clarkson to suit up for the national team.
READ: Clarkson listed in Gilas roster
A renewed hope has enveloped the Philippine basketball community after the news broke out on Monday as the embattled Gilas pool has been dealing with the absences of some key players due to injuries and personal reasons.
Barrios confirmed that Clarkson will attend Gilas practice on Wednesday while Marc Pingris is set to re-join the pool following a change of heart.
READ: Jordan's possible stint with Philippine 5 excites fans
"Yes, JC (Clarkson) will be in Gilas practice tomorrow (Wednesday)," Barrios told Philstar.com on Tuesday after their meeting with the NBA sophomore guard.
Clarkson will also hold basketball clinics for the youth while in Manila and is scheduled to join the Gilas pool in the first three days of the William Jones Cup tournament in Taipei.