MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson has been officially named as Philippine flag-bearer in the 2018 Asian Games. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers guard will lead the Philippine delegation in the opening ceremonies on Saturday, August 18, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, said chef de mission Richard Gomez. (READ: NBA clears Jordan Clarkson for 2018 Asian Games)

Clarkson will arrive in Indonesia on Thursday, August 16, the same day the Philippines kicks off its campaign versus Kazakhstan. The 26-year-old player will debut in Gilas’ second game against China on Tuesday, August 21.

The NBA turned out to be the final hurdle for Clarkson after getting cleared by Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC), and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

“NBA gave the green light to [Clarkson] to play for the [Asian Games]. INASGOC and OCA said yes for his re-entry to the team,” Gomez told Rappler on August 14, Tuesday. 

“We need to fly out [Clarkson soon] to get to Jakarta on Thursday in time for our game against Kazakhstan.”  

Last Sunday, August 12, the NBA initially thumbed down Clarkson’s participation in the Asian Games, noting its agreement with FIBA that only allows the league’s players to see action in the Olympics and several FIBA tournaments.

Local sports officials, however, sought clarification from the NBA as Houston Rockets’ Zhou Qi and Dallas Mavericks’ Ding Yanyunhang were allowed to represent China in the continental games. – Rappler.com