Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson's name has been included in the 18-man list for the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. But NLEX coach Yeng Guiao, who is leading the Philippine's men's team in Indonesia, said that until the Cleveland Cavaliers guard shows up in practice, he will prepare around the players who will be available for the games.
With a team comprised of a core from Rain or Shine and reinforced with players from other PBA teams, Guiao said they will have to fast track chemistry and put together a squad that will be competitive enough to go up against the best in the Asian region.
"Jordan Clarkson can be a key factor for the national team, but for now, all I know is what I read from the newspapers," Guiao told ESPN5. "I don't even know on how big the chances are for us to see him play. That's something I don't know as of the moment."
Clarkson is coming off an NBA season that saw him start with the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the Cavaliers before trade deadline. He went on to average 13.9 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in the 2017-18 regular season.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is still in a talks with the Cavaliers about getting Clarkson released for the Asian Games.
The 2018-19 NBA season won't start till late October, while training camp for all teams open on September 22, giving Clarkson a window -- should he elect to -- represent the Philippines in the Asian Games.
While Clarkson's availability remains uncertain, Guiao feels they can be competitive if he can get several other players to boost the Painters' core. Guiao cited GlobalPort guard Stanley Pringle as one player who can easily make an impact for the national team.
"Stanley has represented the country recently in the FIBA 3x3 so I don't see any reason why he can't play in the Asian Games," he said. "He can defend, he can score and he can create for others. He's also a big guard so he won't be at a disadvantage when he defends against bigger Asian guards."
Guiao has also mentioned Magnolia guard Paul Lee and Barangay Ginebra gunner Jeff Chan as players on his "wish lis,t" though that will be subject to the approval of their respective PBA teams.
Whether San Miguel slot man June Mar Fajardo or Ginebra center Greg Slaughter can play is also unclear, since their teams be starting the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals on Friday.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine alternate governor Edison Oribiana is managing expectations for the national team.
"It is indeed a big honor for us to represent our country in the Asian Ganes and we are very much aware of the responsibility that goes with it. There is no bigger trophy or championship that can equal the value of being able to play for flag and country, but we want our countrymen to manage their expectations because this is no easy task," Oribiana said in an official statement.
"What we can assure them is that we will do our best to make our country proud. With Coach Yeng Guiao at the helm, we believe that we can achieve our goals. The team owners of RoS have time and again showed their support for the national cause by lending the players that gets called up for duty and they are now even more supportive by allowing the team to represent our country in the said competition," he added.
Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, Maverick Ahanmisi, Raymond Almazan and Chris Tiu are among the early front runners from Rain or Shine, who could be included by Guiao in the national team.