Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard Jordan Clarkson will be able to play more games for the Philippines in the future.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio said this following a meeting yesterday with National Basketball Association Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum to discuss how to further strengthen the partnership between the NBA and the SBP.
Panlilio personally thanked Tatum and the NBA for giving clearance to Jordan and letting him play for the Philippines in the 2018 Jakarta Palembang Asian Games.
“Our wish of having Jordan Clarkson play for the Philippine team has become a reality in the Asian Games. SBP’s desire is to have him play in future competitions during the NBA break,” said Panlilio, who added that with a stronger communication line and relationship with Tatum and the NBA, he is confident that this can happen again.
“The goal of SBP is to come up with the best possible Philippine team, have a chance to win every tournament and ultimately make over 100 million Filipinos happy,” added Panlilio.
Meanwhile, with seven-foot big man Greg Slaughter expected to officially join Gilas Pilipinas, national coach Yeng Guiao is giving the squad the break they need for the tough grind ahead.
Light practices were in order on Tuesday and Wednesday for the members of the squad preparing for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
“We rested them and put them in light practices,” said Guiao, who had team members view game tapes of one of their rivals, which is Iran.
Practices will get heavy for Gilas Pilipinas when players get together again on Thursday until they leave on Sept. 10 for Tehran, Iran, three days before they face the Iranian national team.
Cabagnot, Ian Sangalang, Japeth Aguilar, Matthew Wright, and Allein Maliksi.
“We’re making adjustments from the court work. The videos will help them prepare mentally,” said Guiao, who is still finalizing the 12-man roster that will see action in the game against Iran.
The squad will have members who are fresh from competing in the 2018 Asian Games, including Christian Standhardinger, Paul Lee, Stanley Pringle, Gabe Norwood, Poy Erram, Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan, and Asi Taulava.
Slaughter, who is getting his documents fixed, is listed with Scottie Thompson, Marcio Lassiter, and Alex Cabagnot
Slaughter’s eligibility status is now being awaited.
Slaughter can play as a local player since he has seen action for the teams in Cebu, with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and teams in the PBA.
Greg, whose mother is Filipina, has already obtained certification from his place of residence back in high school, which is Fredericksburg, Virginia.