Justin Brownlee back in PH for Gilas Pilipinas duty

Justin Brownlee arrived in Manila on Tuesday morning and is expected to join Gilas Pilipinas, led by returning head coach Tim Cone, when team practice officially commences on February 15.

“It’s good to be back,” Brownlee told a News5 reporter after arriving from the US.

The resident import of Brgy. Ginebra in the PBA has been given the green light by FIBA to participate in the first window of the Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

During this event, the Philippines will go up against Hong Kong on February 22 and Chinese Taipei on February 25.

Following a positive test for carboxy-THC, a banned substance associated with cannabis, during the 19th Asian Games last year, the world basketball governing body imposed a three-month period of ineligibility on Brownlee. The retroactive freeze would lapse on February 9, paving the way for Brownlee’s return to action.

The official announcement of Brownlee’s eligibility to play was made by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas last week.

Brownlee’s last appearance for Gilas Pilipinas was during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where he led the team to a historic men’s basketball gold medal, ending a 61-year title drought for the country.

The national squad for this upcoming tournament will consist of the 35-year-old Brownlee, as well as his Brgy. Ginebra teammates Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo, Meralco wingman Chris Newsome, TNT scorer Calvin Oftana, San Miguel stars June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez, Japan B.League imports Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Kai Sotto, and reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao.