SBP admits Jordan Clarkson harder to tap for Gilas Pilipinas under new FIBA system

After Gilas Pilipinas settled for the silver medal at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, Los Angeles Laker Jordan Clarkson turned to twitter to once again express his desire to represent the country in 2016.

Tough Fight: In 2016 @JClark5on & #SmartGilas #ALLIN #RoadToRedemption?????????????????????? @lettrs http://t.co/TjqkS8g0rM pic.twitter.com/TFtlsjt5fg

— Jordan Clarkson (@JClark5on) October 3, 2015

During his trip to Manila last August, Clarkson revealed that he secured a Philippine passport before he turned 16, making him eligible to represent the flag in international tournaments.

With the impending change in the FIBA system to home-and-away basis, however, Clarkson's chances of donning a Gilas jersey are being challenged.

"Mas lalong lalabo," Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios admitted. "Mai-interrupt mo ba si Lakers or NBA para lumaro sa atin?"

Starting 2017, the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers will span 15 months with six playing windows - November 2017, February, June, September, and November 2018, and February 2019.

The new format makes it difficult for NBA players to compete for their respective countries, as the schedule is in conflict with the NBA calendar. NBA players would be available only on the September window, with the addition of June for those not playing in the finals.

The Lakers management expressed as much when the SBP tried to tap Clarkson for the recently-concluded FIBA Asia, saying that the sophomore guard would only be available until the start of their training camp.

"He has a very bright future with the Lakers. We don't want to disturb him nor the Lakers," Barrios said. "Frankly, I think they see him as possibly the next Kobe Bryant. Pag nangyari nga 'yun, we should wish that for him."

Clarkson, however, could be able to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup, the Continental Championship, and the Olympic Games, as the major tournaments will be held in the NBA off-season.

But Barrios said the SBP has not yet initiated a new discussion with 23-year-old Fil-American, explaining that they still have to get the approval of the Lakers about tapping Clarkson for future tilts.

"We'd rather not pursue anything with him unless and until okay na 'yung Lakers," he said. "Hindi tayo gumagalaw kasi baka it's a futile exercise. Paasahin mo na naman." - GMA News