Justin Brownlee is set to arrive to join Gilas Pilipinas in its preparation for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this month.
In a short message to Daily Tribune, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy revealed that the naturalized star will be landing in Manila on Tuesday to spearhead the training that will be supervised by Gilas coach Tim Cone starting 15 February.
It’s going to be Brownlee’s first appearance since leading the country to a historic gold medal in the 19th Asian Games.
He was supposed to play for Barangay Ginebra in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup but the plan was halted when he tested positive for a banned substance in the aftermath of the Asian Games.
With that, Brownlee informed the International Basketball Federation on 9 November that he will be having a three-month provisional suspension, prompting him to see action in the qualifiers of the prestigious event that will be held in Beirut next year.
“He is on his way. He should be here by Wednesday,” Dy said.
Brownlee is Cone’s lone choice to be Gilas Pilipinas’ reinforcement in its campaign for a spot in the Paris Olympics.
Aside from Brownlee, also part of the 12-man Gilas squad are Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Ofana, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, Kai Sotto and Kevin Quiambao.
Richard del Rosario will serve as team manager and assistant coach together with Jong Uichico and Josh Reyes.
Gilas will play on 22 February against Hong Kong at the Tsuen Wan Stadium in Hong Kong before facing Chinese Taipei on 25 February at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
