Filipino-American NBA star Jordan Clarkson on Tuesday, August 14, has been allowed to play for the Philippine basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, during the 2018 Asian Games on August 18 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that Cleveland Cavaliers’ Clarkson, alongside Houston Rockets’ Zhou Qi and Dallas Mavericks’ Ding Yanghuhang, will be allowed to play for their respective countries in the Asian Games.
The rule between NBA and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) states that NBA players can only represent their home countries in the Olympics, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Continental Cup Competitions, and other qualifying tournaments, which does not include the Asian Cup.
“Due to a lack of clear communication of that agreement between the NBA and the Chinese and Philippines Basketball Federations, and after further discussions with the Federations, the NBA has agreed to provide this one-time exception,” NBA said in a statement.
Clarkson welcomed the news and extended his gratitude to the people who helped seal the approval from the NBA and pledged to do his best for the Philippines.
“PUSO! My heart is full of gratitude for everyone who helped make this happen. See you all very soon,” Clarkson wrote on Facebook.
Many fans also welcomed Clarkson to the Gilas Pilipinas team.
Clarkson will arrive in Jakarta on Thursday, August 16, and will serve as the country’s flag-bearer in the opening ceremonies.
