Justin Brownlee cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas

MANILA – Naturalized player J ustin Brownlee is cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers later this month, according t o Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

SBP President Al Panlilio said FIBA has issued a Notice of Charge to Brownlee proposing a three- month Period of Ineligibility related to an antidoping rule violation during the 19th Asian Games last year.

“We’re elated that the consequences FIBA issued does not prevent him to play for Gilas in the upcoming window,” Panlilio said. “Having him as our naturalized player alongside some of our locals that he has already played with will be beneficial to the squad.”

Brownlee is set to join his Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings teammates Earl Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo in the Gilas, under the leadership of head coach Tim Cone and team manager Richard Del Rosario.

Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Jaymar Perez, June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, Ariel John Edu, Carl Tamayo, Kai Sotto, and Kevin Quiambao complete Cone’s 12- man roster.

“Justin Brownlee is a big part of the team and the program moving forward, and having him means we can hit the ground running,” Cone said. “He’s already played with most of the guys, so chemistry will already be there. He can now ramp up his conditioning.”

Brownlee, a six-time PBA champion and three- time Best Import of the Conference awardee, played a pivotal role in leading Gilas to reclaim the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games men’s basketball

gold medals.

Shortly after aiding the Philippines in ending a 61year drought i n the Asiad, Brownlee was flagged by the International Testing Agency for testing positive for a prohibited substance.

Brownlee chose to undergo a provisional suspension starting on November 9, 2023, rendering himself unavailable for the Gin Kings’ title- retention bid in the ongoing PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup.

“I can’t wait to play basketball again and put all of this behind me,” said Brownlee. “It’s always been an honor to represent the Philippines, and I’m happy to be given the chance again.”

Gilas Pilipinas is set to face Hong Kong on February 22 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium and Chinese Taipei on February 25 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City./

Justin Brownlee is set to join his Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings teammates Earl Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo in the Gilas, under the leadership of head coach Tim Cone.