ALL's well that ends well.
After a whirlwind two weeks where emotions ebbed and flowed, Jordan Clarkson is finally on his way to join the Philippine team in the 2018 Asian Games after securing a one-time exception from the NBA.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officials confirmed the 6-5 Fil-American guard of the Cleveland Cavaliers is taking a flight to Manila from Los Angeles via Singapore to join the rest of the hastily assembled team coached by Yeng Guiao.
Just hours earlier, SBP president Al Panlilio spoke on the phone with NBA deputy commissioner and recent Manila visitor Mark Tatum, who gave a one-time exemption to Clarkson and the two NBA players suiting for China at the Games.
Although the NBA made it clear that the Asiad is not part of the agreement it has with Fiba with regards to the release of its players, the US league has decided to grant a one-time exemption to Clarkson and Chinese players Zhou Qi of the Houston Rockets and Ding Yanyuhang of the Dallas Mavericks "due to a lack of clear communication of that agreement between the NBA and the Chinese and Philippines Basketball Federations."
"After further discussions with both federations, the NBA has agreed to provide this one-time exception," the media statement read.
The NBA veteran, however, will have to sit out the Filipinos' opening game against Kazakhstan as he is set to arrive in Jakarta at 10 a.m. of Thursday - the exact scheduled tip-off of the match.
Clarkson had to take the earliest available flight out of the U.S. to Indonesia when the NBA and his mother ballclub finally gave him the thumbs up to play in the quadrennial meet on Tuesday (U.S. time).
SBA president Al Panlilio on Wednesday morning received the call Tatum granting the one-time exception. But since there was no direct flight available from LA to Jakarta, Clarkson had to reach his destination via Singapore.
"It's the best flight available with seat availability," according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) executive secretary Patrick Gregorio when asked about Clarkson's Asiad arrival.
"He will be very tired by then," he added.
On a positive note, Clarkson would be able to get some rest and join the team in practice in time for its second game against China on the August 21.
"It will be best for Jordan and Gilas team to practice together and prepare for China," said the POC official.
Here's the official press release from the NBA:
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