Why Jalen Green might never play for Gilas Pilipinas
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American Jalen Green said he was open to playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
But after already suiting up for Team USA in the youth tournaments, will Green still be eligible to don a Gilas jersey?
Philstar.com’s US-based contributing sportswriter Alder Almo brought up FIBA’s current rule that would concern Green’s possible stint with the Philippine basketball team.
could be huge for ???????? but sorry to squash any hopes as Jalen Green is no longer eligible to play for another country after he represented ???????? in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. he’s a future Team USA player in the seniors barring any major setback in his career. https://t.co/xjnkzTtW70 pic.twitter.com/lRQFIOCoTA
— alder almo (@alderalmo) August 13, 2020
Per FIBA rules on eligibility, this might be a long shot because Green participated in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup for the US.
FIBA rules on players with two nationalities state that "A player who has played on a main official competition of FIBA, after having reached his seventeenth birthday may not play for a national team of another country."
Green was already 17 when he played for Team USA in the Under-19 World Cup.
However, the rule does have exceptions.
The Secretary General of FIBA may authorize a player like Green to play for the Philippines, provided that it is in the interest of the development of basketball in the country.
But an exception like this will still be considered a long shot.
Green would need to have had a Philippine passport at age 16, something he reportedly doesn't have.
Team USA would also need to pass up on his talents, and the 18-year-old must be willing to forego any chances to play for the US in the future.
While Green's heart may be in the right place to play for Gilas Pilipinas, eligibility rules and the interest of his future will make it an improbable scenario.
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