Jordan Clarkson Finally Cleared to Play for Gilas

Just two days after making an initial decision not to allow Jordan Clarkson to play in the Asian Games, the NBA made a 360-degree turn.

The league, as per Philippine team chef de mission Richard Gomez, finally gave the Cleveland Cavalier the go-signal to play for Gilas Pilipinas.

The actor and former champion athlete, who is also the current mayor of Ormoc, confirmed that the turnaround was a result of a last-minute appeal.

“Nakita rin ng NBA na pinayagan maglaro yung dalawang Chinese NBA players sa Asian Games. So siguro they decided tsaka nag-plea na rin tayo na palaruin si Jordan Clarkson so pumayag sila (Two Chinese players in the NBA were allowed to play in the Asian Games so perhaps they decided to allow Jordan Clarkson to play, too),” said Gomez.

Robert Bachmann, the assistant chef de mission, later confirmed that Clarkson also got the clearance from the Olympic Council of Asia and the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee to be reinstated to the national team lineup.

Now that Clarkson can finally play for Gilas, the next plan is to quickly bring Clarkson to Jakarta, Gomez said.

“Diretso na siya ng Jakarta para makaabot siya sa first game natin laban sa Kazakhstan (He will fly straight to Jakarta so that he could play in the first game against Kazakhstan),” Gomez said.

In his official Facebook page, Clarkson hinted at his participation in the Asiad and said: “PUSO! My heart is full of gratitude for everyone who helped make this happen. See you all very soon!”

Clarkson will be the flag bearer for the Philippines in the Asian Games opening ceremonies on August 18, two nights after Gilas begins its bid for a gold against Kazakhstan, Gomez said. (PNA)