Gilas Pilipinas’ Jordan Clarkson during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 21, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Lillian SUWANRUMPHA
MANILA, Philippines — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said Jordan Clarkson has committed to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba World Cup 2023.
The federation released a statement on Friday, saying the Utah Jazz guard is also likely to play in the fourth window of the Asian qualifiers against Lebanon on August 25 in Beirut and against Saudi Arabia on August 29 at Mall of Asia Arena, before representing the Philippines once more in its hosting of the World Cup next year.
“Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is sure to play in the World Cup and will likely join Gilas in the fourth window… But won’t be available for the two other windows and the SEA Games,” read SBP’s statement.
SBP also said it will reach out to Kai Sotto to play for Gilas in the last three windows of the Asian qualifiers, the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia next year, and in the World Cup.
Besides Clarkson and Sotto, players from 10 eliminated PBA teams will be available for Gilas in the August window as the Philippine Cup finals will start on August 21.
However, Gilas will face a tall order in November as the NBA, PBA, UAAP, NCAA, and foreign leagues will have a conflicting schedule with the fifth window. The national team will also have to go for another collegiate-laden squad for the sixth window in February as only UAAP and NCAA players will be available at that time.
“The time for leagues to sacrifice and adjust schedules with Gilas in mind is now as the World Cup is only a year away,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.
Panlilio added they won’t have any problem securing the players’ availability for the World Cup as the PBA will only have two conferences, clearing its calendar from May to August next year.
Fiba will “assist in securing clearance for Gilas players from foreign leagues” like Japan and Korea.