GILAS Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao is no longer hoping that Jordan Clarkson will be part of the national team for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Guiao said Gilas Pilipinas is moving on as all signs point toward Clarkson not being allowed by Fiba to play for the World Cup with only 10 days to go before they play Italy on August 31 in Foshan, China.
“Mukhang wala na si Jordan,” Guiao told reporters on Wednesday during the send-off at the Meralco multi-purpose hall. “It’s too late at this point.”
Clarkson was included in the 19-man pool by Gilas Pilipinas in the possibility that the Cleveland Cavaliers guard will be allowed to play as a local. Fiba rules state that only one naturalized player is allowed per team, and Clarkson is classified as a naturalized player, having obtained his Philippine passport after the age of 16.
Jordan played for the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games after being given a clearance by the NBA.
Guiao said Fiba has not indicated that there will be changes to its rules on naturalized players.
“Fiba has not indicated any change in its original decision so we just have to move on,” said Guiao.
Guiao is taking the recent development in a light manner.
“Si Don Clarkson na lang daw ang sasama namin,” said Guiao in jest, referring to Don Trollano, who was cut during the Asian Games in favor of Clarkson.
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