Filipino-American big man Quentin Millora-Brown has made a significant impact so far in his one-and-done season with University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Millora-Brown has averaged 8.62 points, 9.46 rebounds, and 1.38 blocks over 14 elimination games.
Moreover, he has played a crucial role in the Fighting Maroons’ impressive 12-2 record, which earned them the second seed in the Final Four.
It’s no surprise, then, that Millora-Brown would feel more than honored to represent Gilas Pilipinas Men in international tournaments – should the opportunity arise.
Rather than being fielded as a naturalized player, Millora-Brown confirmed to reporters on Wednesday night that he is eligible to play for the Philippines as a local.
He acquired his national passport before turning 16, in compliance with FIBA rules.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“As far as I know, I’m fully eligible. It would be an amazing opportunity if it comes up, but I’m just taking it day by day,” said the 24-year-old from Lorton, Virginia.
“I think it’s just a powerful thing to don the colors of your country. For me, it’s all about learning. It’s about getting better and learning from the older guys who have been around a long time and have all those different tricks.”
He went on, “You get crafty at the big spot and at the guard spot, and of course, contributing in any way I can if I have that opportunity.”
Should the golden opportunity come his way after his brief stint at UP, Millora-Brown expressed excitement about learning from the esteemed coaching staff of Gilas.
Following Chot Reyes’ departure as head coach after the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the Philippines’ men’s national basketball team is now led by Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, alongside the likes of FEU’s Sean Chambers and NLEX’s Jong Uichico as assistants.
“For me, it’s just whatever they can teach me. I think you can always improve your knowledge of the game, and every coach has their own unique specialties. So, taking from them, like that triangle offense, and learning it at a deeper level, understanding different reads, and all that stuff,” said the Temple University standout.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Millora-Brown isn’t just eager to learn from a great coaching staff and play on an international level, though. He also looks forward to teaming up with and learning from Gilas’ talented roster of big men.
The team’s center rotation includes Koshigaya Alphas’ Kai Sotto, Nagasaki Velca’s AJ Edu, eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, and Barangay Ginebra veteran Japeth Aguilar – players whom Millora-Brown feels excited to learn from.
“As you get older, it’s all about being crafty. At the big spot, it’s learning subtle things that help you get open. Learning from older guys, whatever they can show me, trying to pick up stuff from their games, and playing against really good, talented players,” he concluded.
