By NIKOLE JAVIER
Justin Brownlee is expected to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next year with his naturalization papers being processed with dispatch by the Congress.
The resident import of Ginebra will appear before the Congress on Wednesday, Nov. 16, where he is expected to show how eager and ready he is to play for the Philippines.
“Bukas may hearing na sa Congress, a-appear si Justin Brownlee doon. Sana ma-approve at sana on time,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) spokesperson Sonny Barrios during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the conference room of the Philippine Sports Commission Tuesday, Nov. 15.
“Initial [process pa lang]. Kailangan lang talagang personally makita siya ng Committee on Justice ng Congress. Naguumpisa sa Congress, pag na-aprove na sa Congress saka aakyat sa Senado. May proseso, walang shortcut, shortcut. Kaya nga may hearing, sasamahan si Justin ng Gilas team manager Buds Antonio, ng SBP legal,” added Barrios.
The 34-year-old American has expressed his desire to play for Gilas in the past, and with the “immense support for basketball” of the government, Brownlee could be seeing that come to life in February.
“At malaking bagay kung magiging available si Justin. Mas may option ang ating team na mamili kung sino ang karapat dapat sa window six sa February,” he concluded.
After sweeping their fifth window assignments with a win against Jordan on Nov. 10 and another victory at the expense of Saudi Arabia on Nov. 13, the Gilas crew is showing great improvements on the floor in the absence of Jordan Clarkson.
Reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ange Kouame, who saw action for the Filipinos as a naturalized player after suffering from a knee injury, was a great addition on the defensive end.
However, with the World Cup in sight, the SBP is keen on assembling the best talents that it could gather to further boost the winning streak of the national team and improve its world ranking.
