JORDAN CLARKSON went to social media on Monday to air his disappointment over the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) decision to bar him from playing for the men’s national basketball team in the Jakarta-Palembang 18th Asian Games.
“I am terribly disappointed to say that I have not received the required consent to participate in the upcoming Asian Games with our national team. Although I will not be there in person, I will be with my Gilas teammates in heart and spirit,” Clarkson said.
Jordan’s post was accompanied by a photo of national team jerseys.
“Despite this, my desire and ambition to play with my countrymen in the future remains resolute, and I am adamant that this dream will come true” added the 6-foot-5 guard of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The NBA said on a statement on Sunday that Clarkson could not play in the Asian Games under a league rule that allows its players to play for their national teams in International Basketball Federation tournaments.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Olympic Committee have already expressed their disappointment with POC Secretary-General Patrick Gregorio, stressing the NBA decision “won’t be forgotten by the Filipino basketball fans.”
With Clarkson out, national team Head Coach Yeng Guiao is expected to tap Don Trollano as the Filipino-American’s replacement during the Team Managers’ Meeting that was held on Monday night.
The nationals will play Kazakhstan on Thursday for their first game. If the Filipinos win, they advance to the knockout quarterfinals even though they lose their next game to China.
The team is also composed of Maverick Ahanmisi, Chris Tiu, Gabe Norwood, James Yap, Beau Belga, Raymund Almazan, Paul Lee, Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, Poy Erram and Asi Taulava.
Image credits: Edison Oribiana