Justin Brownlee has been practicing with Gilas Pilipinas since September 19 — a move that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas believes will not only give the national team an added body but also help the American get acclimated with his teammates once he clears the naturalization process.
Early this month, the SBP asked the Senate to help fast-track the naturalization of Brownlee and TNT import Cameron Oliver.
Even with his naturalization yet to pass the Congress, Brownlee is just glad to represent the Philippines, which he first introduced himself to back in 2016 as a replacement import of Ginebra.
“I’m very blessed and honored to be a part of that team.
“Just practicing now and hopefully the bill passes and it would be a blessing to suit up and represent the Philippines,” added the five-time PBA champion on Wednesday after Ginebra’s 71-93 loss to Rain or Shine.
Returning for his ninth tour of duty for the Barangay, Brownlee would most probably end up as a Ginebra lifer.
So to have the chance to play alongside his great PBA rivals in Gilas is something the 6-foot-5 reinforcement cherishes.
“It was fun man. Playing with some of the guys from the other teams. I definitely admire some of the guys on the team. June Mar Fajardo, Cjay Perez, it’s fun just to be around those guys.” shared the former PBA Best Import.
“I’ll always be a King in the PBA so just fun to see those guys and be on the same side as them.”
The fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers will be in November.
The Philippines will first fly to Amman to battle Jordan on the 10th before heading to Dammam to face Saudi Arabia on the 13th to finish the two-game road trip.
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
