Gilas Pilipinas might play without NBA player Jordan Clarskson in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
With only 10 days to go before the competition, Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao said he is no longer hoping that Clarkson will be able to suit up for the team.
“Mukhang wala na si Jordan. It’s too late at this point,” Guiao told reporters during the send-off ceremony at the Meralco multi-purpose hall on Wednesday night, August 21.
Gilas’ first assignment will be against Italy on August 31,
Guiao included Clarkson in the 19-man pool in the hopes that the Cleveland Cavaliers guard will be allowed to play as a local and not naturalized player.
Clarkson is classified as a naturalized player after obtaining a Philippine passport after the age of 16.
FIBA, however, only allows one naturalized player to suit up for a team.
Gilas has asked FIBA to change its rules on naturalized players but the request has not been acted upon yet.
Photo credit: getty images
