SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) is moving heaven and earth to ensure that Gilas Pilipinas suits-up in fighting form in FIBA Asia Championship 2015. Reports are coming that Pangilinan may seek an audience from the LA Lakers to request for the liberty of the NBA guard Jordan Clarkson to play internationally for Pilipinas.

According to Philstar.com earlier news article, SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios neither denied or verified if there is truth to the reports that Pangilinan was set to fly to Los Angeles to meet with Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak. It was said that MVP is set to negotiate for Jordan Clarkson’s release to suit-up for RP Five in international tourneys. “I heard about that but I’m not privy kung tuloy,” Barrios was quoted by the same paper.

The news coincided with the fact that the sophomore guard’s FIBA requirements are almost ready. “At the moment, 95% complete. ASAP (as soon as possible) ang timetable. But we can’t send partial-partial lang. Kailangan isang padala and complete,” Barrios also told Philstar.com.

“We put in a lot of hard work on it,” the SBP official added. Barrios is crossing his fingers that the FIBA committee will declare Clarkson as a regular player and make him eligible for FIBA sanctioned competitions. The approval of LA Lakers is another matter to hurdle.

Jordan’s possible stint in Gilas Pilipinas to the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship 2015 will be a big boost to the Philippines campaign. Clarkson earlier expressed sincerity in his willingness to play for RP Five, this after talking to his father about his intentions to play for the Philippines.

The Lakers are also aware of the developments in Clarkson’s trip to the Philippines but has chosen to remain silent on the matter as of press time. “We are aware that he is having conversations with the national team and other governing organizations, but beyond that we have no additional information or comment at this time,” said John Black, the Lakers Vice President for Public Relations, in an online correspondence to Homer Sayson of Philstar on Thursday.

The Philippine Basketball Team is currently in Taiwan to campaign in the William Jones Cup 2015 as part of their preparations for FIBA Asia. Clarkson will join Gilas on Sunday to observe the national team.