Los Angeles Lakers News & Rumors: Is Jordan Clarkson Eligible To Play for ‘Gilas Pilipinas’ in 2016 Rio Olympics?
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson might eventually get a chance to show his skills in the 2016 Rio Olympics, as reports revealed he could play for Gilas Pilipinas, the national team of Asian country Philippines.
According to The Philippine Star, Clarkson arrived in Manila on Monday for a promotional tour, but will also observe the training camp of the national squad that is currently preparing for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships, which serves as the Asian qualifier for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio.
Clarkson, who had an excellent rookie year for the Lakers last season, will also join the team in Taipei for the William Jones Cup tournament, where he could eventually get a chance to play if he gets clearance from the Lakers.
Clarkson, who averaged 11.9 points on top of 3.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game last season, was born in Tampa, Florida. He is eligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas in international tournaments because his mother, Annette, was born in the Philippines.
FIBA has strict rules when it comes to foreign-born players, but Rappler reported that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the national basketball federation of the Philippines, was able to secure documents to prove that Clarkson is eligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas.
Under FIBA rules, a player could only play as a "local" if he was able to secure a passport from that country before turning 16 years old. Otherwise, he could only suit up as a "naturalized" player -- like Oklahoma City Thunder star Serge Ibaka, who was able to play for Spain after undergoing process of naturalization.
SBP director Sonny Barrios told Rappler that Clarkson has a Philippine passport since 2004, when the former Missouri standout was just 12 years old. He added that they were aware of it since May, but they decided not to make it public until Clarkson and his camp submit the needed documents.
"He's submitted his documents," Barrios said. "It has been submitted to FIBA, who's asking for supporting documents. As we speak, those are being submitted to them."
According to the report, FIBA asked for Clarkson's certificate of birth and legal documents to prove that his mother was born in Pampanga, a province in the Philippines.
Depending on the process, Clarkson could eventually suit up in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships in China next month, but Philippines will also need to get an approval from the Lakers.
Gilas Pilipinas, who is bannered by naturalized star Andray Blatche, is one of the favorites to win the tournament after finishing second to Iran in 2013 and after their decent showing in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
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