Is Justin Brownlee headed for Indonesia?
According to a reliable Daily Tribune source, the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player reached out to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, asking if he can play as an import in Jakarta.
No specific team had been mentioned but it appears that the federation will issue the green light, especially since Gilas Pilipinas will not reconvene until the end of June in preparation for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament from 2 to 7 July.
“We have no idea what (foreign) team he’s joining but he asked permission from the SBP if he can play for a club in Jakarta,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity for lack of go-signal from Brownlee and the federation.
After an impressive performance in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers last week, Brownlee was given the blessing by his coach — Tim Cone — to pursue international offers.
Cone said they will allow Brownlee to see action overseas for as long as it will not bar him from resuming his duties with Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra in the Philippine Basketball Association.
After all, the 35-year-old forward needs to stay in shape after sitting out for three months after testing positive for a banned substance in the aftermath of Gilas’ victorious stint in the 19th Asian Games last October.
“If he goes and plays somewhere, Europe, Japan, Korea or the Middle East, he’ll be available for the window because he’s our naturalized player,” Cone said in a previous statement.
“If he goes to play (away) and he’s got a contract in June, July or August, he’ll still be able to come back and join us for the window so we’re all for him going out and staying in shape.”
When asked what exactly will be Brownlee’s team, Cone opted to stay mum.
“I don’t know,” he said. “You’ll have to ask him.”
But having Brownlee play in Indonesia will be favorable to the Filipinos.
Aside from Jakarta being near Manila, Brownlee is expected to play against lighter foes, allowing him to preserve his body while maintaining his physical conditioning.
“I just really want to stay in game shape and don’t want to take too much time off,” said Brownlee, adding that returning to Barangay Ginebra remains his top priority.
Cone agrees.
“He’ll definitely be with us with Ginebra in the next conference. He’s already locked in for that but in the meantime he’s looking at offers and he’ll probably be away to play for a while,” Cone said.
