WILL the world governing body for basketball relax its stringent eligibility rules for dual citizens?
Don’t bet on it, for now.
“No. We will not go in that direction due to the specifics that we have in our sport,” FIBA secretary-general Andreas Zagklis said. “We have two, three big markets that produce players that are connected to a number of other countries.
“That would lead to national teams that would have very little to nothing to do with the level of basketball, the development of basketball in a country,” he added.
Zagklis spoke during a press conference before the curtains fell on the 19th FIBA World Cup last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Philippines is one of the countries wanting a change in the rule–players who acquire passports of the nation they represent before they turn 16 are eligible to play as a local of the said country.
“As a rule, the central board is clear, one naturalized player No. 1, that is a principle that I don’t see changing and number two, the criteria for how someone gets the eligibility, is clear. You have the passport, you’re eligible,” Zagklis said. “Now, if you had a passport after the age of 16, we have to see if you have significant links to the country and if you didn’t, then you fall under the naturalized category.
“(It’s a) very difficult rule. I spent this year in our continental assemblies quite a lot of time re-explaining it to our members.”
NBA standout Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz is classified as a naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments.
Ditto with the likes of Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, Mikey Williams, Chris Ross, and Remy Martin.
A team can only field one naturalized player in FIBA play, making the Philippine five choose between Ange Kouame, Justin Brownlee, and Clarkson for the World Cup.
The only way the ruling will be modified is when countries make a better and fairer proposal but until then, it stays, according to Zagklis.
