Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson remains an option for Gilas Pilipinas, Philippines' national basketball team, in their upcoming campaign in 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.
Clarkson could play as a local for Gilas Pilipinas if he will be able to submit all documents needed to prove that his mother, Annette Davis, was born in the Philippines. According to Fox Sports Asia, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the official basketball association in the country, are still in talks with Clarkson's camp.
However, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios admitted that they are in a tough situation because they cannot make major moves until Clarkson signs a new contract with the Lakers. Clarkson will become a restricted free agent after the 2015-16 NBA season.
The 23-year-old guard, who was the 46th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, is expected to get a lucrative deal this summer, as he is averaging 15.5 points on top of 4.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists this season. Barrios said they can only ask for clearance once the former Missouri standout reaches an agreement with the Lakers.
Gilas Pilipinas need all the help that they can get as they are considered underdogs in the qualifying tournament that will run from July 4 to 10 in Manila. The Philippines were drawn into Manila leg's Group B alongside New Zealand and France. Canada, Turkey and Senegal compose Manila leg's Group A.
France, who could feature San Antonio Spurs superstar Tony Parker and Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum, are favored to take one of the three remaining tickets to the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, France center Joffrey Lauvergne admitted that they are not expecting a walk in the park in July.
"The group is not the toughest one but it won't be easy," Lauvergne told FIBA.com. "Canada has a great team, the Turkish team is very solid, the Philippines is going to play at home and will be tough to beat."
Canada are considered as the biggest threat to France in the Manila leg, especially if 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins decides to play in the Olympic qualifiers.
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