Jordan Clarkson doubtful for World Cup

MANILA, Philippines — It’s not likely that the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson will play for Gilas in the FIBA World Cup in China on Aug. 31-Sept. 15 as his status as a Filipino citizen is recognized not on the basis of heritage but of naturalization by the governing federation.

Under FIBA rules, a national team may enlist only one naturalized player. In the Philippines’ case, the choice is Andray Blatche. SBP attempted to classify Clarkson as a local because of his Filipino lineage but since he was issued his Philippine passport after turning 16, FIBA insisted his recognition is as a naturalized player.

FIBA National Federations and Sport Director Zoran Radovic of Serbia has repeatedly told SBP executive director Sonny Barrios that Clarkson’s classification is final. However, the appointment of new FIBA secretary-general Andreas Zagklis of Greece brought fresh hope of a reconsideration. But Zagklis has left the issue for Radovic to resolve and that means the decision will probably not change.

“It’s doubtful for the World Cup this year because of FIBA’s eligibility rule,” said Barrios. “Maybe, if FIBA agrees to add another eligibility factor in determining whether a player is naturalized or not for 2023 when we host the World Cup, there will be an opportunity for Jordan.”

Barrios referred to DNA testing to determine a player’s heritage. “We’re not suggesting to remove the 16-year-old cut-off rule for a passport,” he said. “We’re suggesting to add another eligibility clause where players will submit to DNA analysis before a FIBA-accredited testing agency like WADA for drug examination. This will confirm whether a player has legitimate claim to heritage. This will determine roots. For sure, FIBA will not want to go against the constitutional rights of a player claiming citizenship by heritage not naturalization.”

Barrios said FIBA considers immersion as a reason to make exceptions. In Australia’s case, NBA center Thon Maker of South Sudan was allowed to play as a second naturalized player with the Boomers because he has lived in Perth since he was five.  In Italy, 31-year-old Ariel Filloy was born in Argentina but has played in Italy since he was 15. Awudu Abass, whose father is from Ghana and mother from Nigeria, was born in Italy and plays for the national team with two Italian-born Italian-Americans and one naturalized player, either Christian Burns or Jeff Brooks. The diversity of ethnic origins makes the Italian team more global than national.

Barrios said allowing Gilas to play both Blatche and Clarkson would seriously tilt the balance in the World Cup. “Remember that the World Cup will qualify the best Asian finisher to the 2020 Olympics, that’s aside from Japan which has an automatic ticket as host,” said Barrios. China, as the World Cup host, is out to clinch the Olympic ticket by registering the best finish among the five Asian entries, except Japan. The five Asian countries are China, Iran, Jordan, South Korea and the Philippines. Australia and New Zealand, two of eight Asia/Pacific World Cup qualifiers (including host China), will slug it out for the Oceania ticket to the Olympics.