The country’s governing body, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is now trying to secure the approval of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on the inclusion of the Filipino-American basketball star Jordan Clarkson in Gilas Pilipinas’ Final 12 roster for the highly anticipated FIBA Asia Championship in China.
The SBP has only up to this afternoon to work on the FIBA clearance with the final deadline for the submission of the final lineup for FIBA Asia set today by Changsha meet organizers.
The FIBA nod for Jordan Clarkson to play for Gilas is one of the two requirements for the LA Lakers’ guard to be able to suit up with Gilas Pilipinas 3.0 in the coming FIBA Asia event that will also serves as regional qualifier for the 2016 Rio de Janiero Olympics.
Aside from the FIBA nod for Jordan Clarkson, the SBP also needs to get the nod of LA Lakers head coach Byron Scott who will make the final decision whether Clarkson will be allowed to play for the Philippines.
Before the highly anticipated FIBA Asia game in China, the Philippines is also preparing for the final tune up of the Gilas Pilipinas in the MVP Cup which will be held in the country set from Friday to Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
During the three-day tournament, the Gilas Pilipinas will battle it out against reigning PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion Talk ‘N Text, who took over from Lebanon in the four-team tournament. Aside from Talk ‘N Text and Gilas Pilipinas, also participating are the national basketball team of New Zealand and the Chinese Taipei national squad.
