Clarkson Could Play for Philippine NT

There is a possibility for Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (196 cm, Missouri’14) to play for the Philippine national team in the upcoming FIBA Asia Championship 2015. It has recently been revealed that the American player can be considered as a natural born Filipino and will not have to undergo the naturalization process.

A FIBA rule requires players to obtain the passport of the nation they intend to represent internationally before they turn 16. If the requirements are not fulfilled before the age of 16, then the only way the said player may represent the country is as a naturalized player.

Apparently, Clarkson, who recently expressed a willingness to play for “Gilas Pilipinas,” held a Philippine passport before the age of 16. His mother is a Filipina and his father is American.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will still go through the process of getting formal approval from FIBA and it will provide the necessary supporting documents.

In his rookie season with the Lakers, Jordan posted averages of 11.9 ppg and 3.5 apg.