MANILA — New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson was considered in Gilas Pilipinas pool, but timing issues and NBA contract prevented the national team from pursuing him for upcoming competitions.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone said the Filipino-American was discussed as a possible addition to the national team, particularly for the crucial FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers window.
“He was certainly talked about and considered, but there wasn’t enough time to make a run at him for the window,” Cone told Fastbreak on Monday night.
Clarkson, who holds Filipino citizenship and has represented the Philippines in previous international competitions, remains under an NBA contract with the Knicks.
Cone indicated that while Gilas explored the possibility of bringing back the veteran guard, the limited preparation time for the upcoming FIBA window made it difficult to complete the process.
The NBA’s contractual restrictions also present another hurdle for Clarkson’s potential participation in the Asian Games, scheduled from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The men’s basketball tournament will be held earlier from Sept. 10 to 20.
“The NBA contracts, we’re told, don’t allow (Clarkson to play) for the Asian Games,” Cone said.
Gilas is currently preparing for a crucial FIBA window against Jordan and Iran on Aug. 28 and 30, respectively, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena as it continues its bid to qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. (Adrian Co)
