Cleveland Cavaliers Star Making Self Available For Philippines At 2019 FIBA World Cup

Jordan Clarkson may be busy playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers this 2018-19 NBA season, but the Filipino-American has apparently kept tabs of the performance of the Philippines. Tracing his roots from Angeles, Pampanga, the 26-year-old praised his teammate for a job well-done when they qualified for the 2019 FIBA World Cup that will be held in China from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15 later this year.

Clarkson recently expressed his interest in suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine national team, once again on Instagram. “Congrats to my bros and the country such an honor for the country, qualifying for the world cup, so hyped!!!hope to see you guys in China!!!” Clarkson said.

The Philippines currently has one naturalized player in the mix in former NBA player Andray Blatche. The 32-year-old was a pivotal reason on the victories of Gilas Pilipinas against Qatar and Kazakhstan. Right now, Clarkson is categorized as a naturalized player - meaning it may be impossible for him to take the place of the 6-foot-11 cager since the Philippines prioritize height and mobility.

Right now, Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio bared that they are working on the issue to possibly make Clarkson an exception to allow him to suit up for the country, Manila Bulletin Sports reported.

Clarkson had previously suited up for the Philippines during the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Strings were pulled at the last minute to allow him to suit up and now the SBP is hoping to do the same with FIBA.

The latest on Clarkson is that he is encouraging Filipinos for help according to another report from Manila Bulletin Sports Online. He is stoking fans to raise rapport in allowing him to play for the Philippines, pretty much the same thing done when questions shrouded his stint in the Asian Games last year.

The next couple of months should be interesting for the Philippines as they prepare for an even bigger stage under the watch of head coach Joseller "Yeng" Guiao. The Philippines does have an abundance of guards but there is no question what Jordan Clarkson brings to the table.

Further, one can only muse at seeing two legit NBA stars playing for the country - Clarkson of which is a Filipino by blood under local laws. He also obtained his Filipino passport after the age of 16.