Asian Games: Gilas left wondering when they will see Jordan Clarkson in a Philippines jersey again as he prepares for US return
The Cleveland Cavaliers point guard showed his value to the team after impressing in Indonesia
After leading the team to victory over a depleted Japan with 22 points, six rebounds and nine assists, hopes are high that the NBA star can again lead the charge in the battle for fifth before he boards a plane back to the United States, where he will join up with Cleveland Cavaliers teammates as NBA pre-season training gets underway.
But asked after the win over Japan when the next time Gilas supporters would get to see their man representing his country again following the Games, coach Yeng Guiao was unsure when or even if that could happen again.
“Of course, we want him to return and play for us again as a member of our national team,” Guiao said, “but there are some things to be considered: the schedules and the NBA.”
Clarkson’s NBA side initially refused to release the 26-year-old, who had attempted to represent Philippines in international tournaments on two previous occasions without success. However, after back-channel negotiations, Cleveland’s stance softened and they released Clarkson, who is expected to play a more prominent role for the Cavs this coming NBA season, to compete in Indonesia.