Justin Brownlee to skip pocket tournament in China

Justin Brownlee will not be part of Gilas Pilipinas when the national team plays in a pocket tournament in China next week.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes stated that the decision was made to let the prolific naturalized player rest and recuperate especially since the Brgy. Ginebra import is dealing with bone spurs on his foot.

At the same time, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has already announced that NBA player Jordan Clarkson will serve as the national team’s reinforcement for the upcoming FIBA World Cup with Brownlee sliding down as a reserve.

The 3-time PBA Best Import will instead wear the national colors in September at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

“Hopefully, he’ll be ready and available come the Asian Games,” said Gilas assistant coach Jong Uichico.

“He will not be a part of the (World Cup) team, but he wll be part of the pool of naturalized players,” he added.

During a pep rally for both the men’s and women’s national teams, the SBP announced that Clarkson will finally be playing for Gilas in the World Cup, while Brownlee will be reinforcing the Filipinos in the Asiad.

The Guandong pocket competition will take place from August 2 to 6.

Gilas will depart for China on August 1.