Brownlee or Clarkson?

The decision on whom to tap as Gilas’ naturalized player in the coming FIBA World Cup is coming soon with 37 days to go before the start of hostilities on August 25. The choice is between NBA star Jordan Clarkson who has Filipino lineage and long-time PBA import Justin Brownlee who has played in the country since 2016. FIBA allows a national team to enlist only one naturalized player. While Clarkson isn’t naturalized according to Philippine law because of his Filipino heritage and is a legal dual citizen, FIBA classifies him as naturalized under the eligibility rule that he received his Philippine passport after turning 16 and wasn’t born in the Philippines. Brownlee went through the naturalization process and was issued his Philippine passport after approval from Congress and Senate.

Clarkson, 31, has averaged in double figure points in his nine NBA seasons. He’s in the peak of his career and a few weeks ago, signed a four-year $51.5 million contract extension with Utah. His annual average salary is $12.9 million or roughly P709.5 million. Last campaign, Clarkson proved his worth by norming a career-high 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Brownlee, 35, has won championships in six of 10 PBA conferences with Barangay Ginebra. He averaged 27.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the PBA last season.

Here are 10 factors to consider in deciding between Clarkson and Brownlee.

• Commitment. Clarkson’s priority is the NBA. Maybe when his NBA days are over, he’ll play in the PBA as a local but that’s neither here nor there. Clarkson played four games with Gilas at the 2018 Asian Games. With Clarkson in harness, the Philippines registered a 2-2 record, losing to China, 82-80 and South Korea, 91-82 and winning over Japan, 113-80 and Syria, 109-55. In the FIBA World Cup Asia qualifiers last August, Clarkson played two contests for the Philippines and went 1-1, losing to Lebanon, 85-81 and beating Saudi Arabia, 84-46. Brownlee saw action for Gilas in the recent SEA Games where the Philippines took the gold medal. Whether it’s short or long-term, Brownlee will be ready to play for Gilas anytime.
• Familiarity. Clarkson has played six games for Gilas and Brownlee, five. Brownlee is intimately familiar with the Philippine style of play and Filipino players as he’s been a resident import in the PBA the last seven years. Familiarity is an essential ingredient in generating team chemistry. And with just over a month before the World Cup reels off, Brownlee’s familiarity is a major advantage.
• Winnability. Clarkson’s record with Gilas is 3-3 while Brownlee’s is 5-2. Clarkson has never won a championship. In high school, he went to the state semifinals. Individually, Clarkson has reaped numerous honors including the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Brownlee has played on title squads in the PBA, ABL and Lebanon.
• Respect. Clarkson’s reputation is glowing and when he’s on the floor, he commands respect from officials and players alike. That could translate into 50-50 calls going his way. Brownlee isn’t as popular world-wide as Clarkson but in the Philippines, he’s a living legend.
• Versatility. Both are able to play multiple positions. Clarkson is essentially a guard, playing one or two but can move to three, too. Brownlee is a natural three but can play two or four depending on matchups and the necessities of the game. Clarkson’s ability to quarterback is a major asset. His experience will go a long way in stabilizing the troops on the court whether to reverse, stem or ride the tide. 
• Crowd support. Filipino fans are in awe of Clarkson, no doubt, because of his NBA pedigree. They also admire Brownlee for his loyalty, never-say-die attitude and heroics on the floor. The hometown audience will embrace Clarkson or Brownlee with equal love.
• Impact. When Clarkson’s on the court, he brings flair and electricity to Gilas. He’s a game-changer. Brownlee influences the team a different way. Because of his familiarity, Brownlee engages his teammates on a personal basis and fits comfortably into the coaching system, particularly as he’s played under Tim Cone his entire PBA career. 
• Roots. Clarkson has relatives in the country because of his Filipino lineage through his mother. He has visited the Philippines at least thrice on short trips. Brownlee practically lives here and often brings his family over. While Brownlee has no Filipino blood, the fact that he chose to be Filipino endears him to Filipinos. 
• Continuity. It’s important that whoever is chosen to be the country’s naturalized player has to be readily available whenever his number is called. This isn’t about just the World Cup, it’s also about the coming Asian Games, FIBA qualifying windows and SEA Games.
• Maintenance. Clarkson’s hefty NBA contract requires a stiff insurance policy with a costly premium. He travels with an entourage befitting an athlete of his caliber. SBP must put into perspective the costs of maintaining Clarkson relative to an overall budget which should take into account the development and training of Filipino players. Since Brownlee virtually lives here, it’s easy to mobilize him for national team duty.

In a perfect setting, Clarkson would be classified as local because of his Filipino roots and Brownlee as naturalized so they can play together. But it will take a lot of convincing for FIBA to bend its eligibility rules.