Justin Brownlee is expected to suit up and play in Gilas Pilipinas’ home stand in the upcoming window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Coach Tim Cone made his comments on Wednesday to address the curiosity that grew from the inclusion of Ange Kouame in the 15-man pool for next week’s contests, as unveiled by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) last Monday.
“He will most likely not be in the lineup because we expect Justin to play in both games,” he offered during the SBP presser at the TV5 Media Center in Pasig.
So, this means that Brownlee, 36, is likely to see action against New Zealand on November 21 in a clash of 2-0 teams and then versus Hong Kong on the 24th.
Both fixtures will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
That, even if it has been barely two weeks since Ginebra lost to TNT in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals in a series that lasted for six games.
Brownlee is in the midst of arguably his busiest stretch as a pro. Since coming back from a three-month suspension last February, the naturalized winger has played in Window 1, then flew to Indonesia to join Pelita Jaya in the IBL.
Then, of course, he returned to the Philippines last August to reprise his role as the Kings’ resident import in the season-opening Governors’ Cup.
Now, as Cone said, he’s expected to run it back with the Nationals, who are aiming to qualify for the Asia Cup proper through the coming window.
The difference this time, though, is that the team will be preparing for it with two naturalized players as JB and Kouame are part of the present pool.
The former Ateneo big man’s inclusion gave the impression that he and the three-time PBA Best Import would alternate places for the two games, or that the former would fully take on the naturalized spot while his senior takes some rest.
But Cone somewhat squashed speculations by reiterating that Brownlee remains the guy for the said role, but also said that Kouame is an integral part of what they’re building in the program – even as a backup.
“If something – God forbid, knock on wood – happens to Justin, then we would be able to bring in Ange and he would again know the system. He knows what’s asked of him, he’ll be part of the preparation,” he said.
“So, it’s important to have him be a part of the program as much as possible,” Cone added, “as that backup as we wait for Bennie Boatwright to go through the process of his immigration and whatever he needs to be done.
“So Ange is very important to us and we need him there so he can be ready to step in immediately if necessary,” the 66-year-old mentor continued.
