Jordan Clarkson hopes to play for Gilas at FIBA World Cup

Jordan Clarkson on Tuesday congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for qualifying to this year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

In an Instagram post, the Cleveland Cavaliers guard also expressed his hopes to play with them in the tournament in August.

Clarkson posted a photo of himself wearing the Gilas uniform for the first time in the Asian Games last year, where he also served as the country's flag-bearer.

"Congrats to my bros and the country such a honor for the country, qualifying for the World Cup, so hyped!!! Hope to see you guys in China!!!" he wrote in the caption.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is currently working on having Clarkson declared eligible to play for Gilas as a local.

While he owns a Philippines passport, FIBA rules sat he could only play for the Philippines as a naturalized citizen. Only one naturalized player is allowed per team and Andray Blatche is currently holding the fort for Gilas.

Gilas booked the ticket for the World Cup on Saturday after beating Qatar and Kazakhstan behind Blatche's strong performance in the final window of the Asian qualifiers.

This will be the Philippines' second consecutive appearance at the World Cup after qualifying in 2014 and earning a historic win against Senegal. —Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News