Push Admin

Why Jordan Clarkson still can't suit up for Gilas

Article (news)

Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/sports/04/11/jordan-clarkson-rtr-2017-041117.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) attempts a shot against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center in this file photo. <cite>Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio welcomed the news of Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson&#x27;s continued determination to play for the national team, even though he has yet to hurdle FIBA&#x27;s eligibility rules.In an <a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/04/11/17/jordan-clarkson-determined-to-play-for-gilas-pilipinas" target="_blank">interview with CBS Los Angeles</a>, Clarkson said that he will &quot;make playing for the Filipino National Team happen.&quot;&quot;I feel all the support and love they had throughout my years in the NBA, so I&#x27;m still trying to do well for them, and hopefully, be able to put on for my country,&quot; he added.Antonio told reporters on Tuesday that he is not surprised at how much Clarkson wants to suit up for the Philippines.&quot;We&#x27;ve been with him. He&#x27;s been with the team as head cheerleader during the last time we played in the Jones Cup. So that is without a doubt. We know how much he wants to play,&quot; said Antonio.&quot;It&#x27;s just a matter of us being able to convince FIBA that he&#x27;s Filipino,&quot; he added.That task has proven to be easier said than done. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) needs to prove that Clarkson got his Philippine passport before the age of 16, and that remains up in the air.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li>READ: <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/nba/news/2017/04/11/jordan-clarkson-still-looking-play-gilas-24501">Jordan Clarkson still looking to play for Gilas</a></li></ul>There are other eligibility requirements that Clarkson needs to meet, says Antonio. &quot;I think there are other requirements about staying in the Philippines,&quot; he said. &quot;Marami silang hinihingi na iba-iba pa eh. So those are the things. It&#x27;s not just the passport.&quot;&quot;We&#x27;re trying to work on papers and eligibility of FIBA,&quot; he further explained. &quot;We know how much Jordan Clarkson wants to play for the country, but right now, the eligibility rules of FIBA limit this possibility.&quot;&quot;But rest assured that through our legal counsel in SBP, si Atty. Aga Francisco who is also part of the legal commission, we&#x27;re trying to see if we can do anything about amending the eligibility rules of FIBA,&quot; Antonio added.If SBP cannot prove that Clarkson got his passport before he turned 16, then the Lakers guard will have to suit up as a naturalized player instead of a local. Currently, Gilas features center/forward Andray Blatche as its naturalized player.Aside from FIBA&#x27;s eligibility rules, Gilas coach Chot Reyes also brought up another issue when it comes to Clarkson&#x27;s participation in the national team.&quot;We&#x27;ve had long conversations in the past, and he really told me na gusto niya,&quot; said Reyes. &quot;Pero saying lang na gusto niya and actually doing it are two different things.&quot; &quot;Because it will take a lot of sacrifice and risk for him. The real question is, is he willing to risk his NBA career?&quot; he added.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Why Jordan Clarkson still can't suit up for Gilas

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Sports

Why Jordan Clarkson still can't suit up for Gilas

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Apr 11, 2017 07:06 PM PHT

|

Updated Apr 11, 2017 07:07 PM PHT

Read More:

Gilas Pilipinas

Jordan Clarkson

LA Lakers

FIBA

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.