Justin Brownlee is already on his way back home to the Philippines in time for Gilas Pilipinas’ training camp for Window 1 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Justin Brownlee is suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy confirmed this on the Starting Lineup Thursday, Nov. 13.
“He will be playing with us this window,” said Dy.
[RELATED STORY: SBP calls for volunteers ahead of Gilas home game vs. Guam in FIBAWC Asian Qualifiers]
Fans can now heave a sigh of relief following weeks of uncertainty about Brownlee's availability for the national team.
The concern stemmed from his no-show for Meralco in its campaign in the East Asia Super League, where the beloved naturalized FIlipino is supposed to team up with rival PBA import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
[RELATED STORY: Meralco gives update on Justin Brownlee after latest EASL loss]
But Brownlee is now expected to soon join the Nationals who are gearing up for back-to-back games against Guam here and abroad.
“SBP has been in contact with him. If I’m not mistaken, he’s already on his way back home to the Philippines. I got confirmation earlier that he checked in, he rode a plane, so we expect him here in the weekend,” said Dy.
Gilas will first visit Guam on Nov. 28, before hosting its foes three days later at the newly renovated Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.
Also in Group A with the Philippines and Guam are regional powerhouses Australia and New Zealand.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.