Kyle Kuzma open to playing for Gilas with Jordan Clarkson

NBA star Kyle Kuzma says he would be willing to play for the Philippine men’s national basketball team alongside Filipino-American standout Jordan Clarkson.

In his cover story interview with ALL-STAR Magazine, the Washington Wizard said playing for USA Basketball remains his top priority, but if that opportunity doesn’t present itself in the future, he wouldn’t mind rocking the name of the Philippines across his chest with one of his best friends.

“I mean, if I didn’t play for Team USA, I mean, I could rock out with JC. That would be cool,” Kuzma responded when asked if he’d be open to play for Gilas. The duo spent time together as teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers and have maintained a close relationship since.

Of course, there are a few caveats.

For starters, the 29-year-old would only be able to play for the Philippines in FIBA and the Olympics if he becomes a naturalized Filipino, which is a long process.

Furthermore only one naturalized player per team is allowed. Clarkson, who suited up for the Philippines in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, is currently designated as a naturalized player even if his mother Annette is a Filipina. He was unable to obtain his FilIpino citizenship before turning 16-years-old, which is FIBA’s cut-off age for dual citizens.

Is there a chance Clarkson would eventually be re-classified as a local player? It’s tricky, but yes. According to a report by ESPN Philippines, here is the criteria for the FIBA secretary-general – currently Andreas Zagklis – to consider such a change: the number of years the player has lived in the country they would like to play for; number of seasons they’ve spent playing in that country’s domestic leagues, and other criteria that establishes a link between the player and his country.

In recent years the likes of Greg Slaughter, Roosevelt Adams, Chris Newsome, Jamie Malonzo, and Maverick Ahanmisi were cleared by FIBA to play as locals for Gilas.

“You know, my number one goal is to play with Team USA for sure in the Olympics, 100% in four years,” said Kuzma, who was set to play with USA Basketball in the 2019 FIBA World Cup before injuring his foot.

“But, yeah, I think it’s really cool that other players are going other places to play because it’s very, very tough to play for Team USA.”

Kuzma is coming off a career NBA season where he averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 boards, and 4.2 assists a game.

READ our cover story of #KuzManila here: Kyle Kuzma’s Three-Day Love Affair with Manila.