FIBA decision: Clarkson is ‘naturalized’

MANILA, Philippines — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has accepted the sad fact that Fil-Am NBA player Jordan Clarkson can only play as a “naturalized player” for Gilas Pilipinas and will utilize him as such in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and whenever possible.

FIBA, according to SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, has told the federation with finality that it’s not classifying the Utah Jazz guard as a “local” in spite of his Filipino lineage.

“Hindi na pwedeng local. Tinanggap na namin na naturalized lang ang classification niya sa FIBA. We tried our best, maraming pagsisikap na makuha ang ating kagustuhan pero yun na nga, gagamitin na natin siyang naturalized natin. There’s no turning back,” Barrios said during yesterday’s online PSA Forum.

With this development, Gilas’ hopes of tapping Clarkson side by side with Ivorian-born big man Ange Kouame or other prospects for naturalization in a FIBA meet have been effectively dashed.

Clarkson, the NBA 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year awardee, will take this spot initially in the coming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers fourth window against Lebanon on Aug. 25 in Beirut and Saudi Arabia four days later at the MOA Arena.

The 30-year-old Clarkson, who previously suited up for Gilas in the more eligibility-relaxed Asian Games in 2018, will join forces with Japan B. League campaigners Dwight Ramos, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena and Ray Parks and young guns Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and Francis Lopez in the pool.

PBA stalwarts from the non-finalists in the Philippine Cup, such as Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra, will also be on board but will only be named as soon as the pro league’s ongoing semis is concluded.