By NIKOLE JAVIER
Justin Brownlee has been nothing short of a hero to Philippine basketball, and his teammate Kai Sotto was struck in great awe after having made history together in Latvia.
Gilas Pilipinas pulled off an incredible 89-80 victory over host and world No. 6 Latvia in Riga Arena to the delight of the Filipino fans back home to open its FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on early Thursday morning, July 4.
It was historic, impressive and the sweetest victory so far for the Tim Cone-coached squad altogether.
The win was also the Philippines’ first in 64 years against any European powerhouse in a FIBA-sanctioned tournament.
Brownlee, who became a naturalized Filipino last year, turned in another all-around performance with 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to also lead all scorers in Riga on the opening day of the tournament.
Following another herculean effort from the resident PBA import, young Gilas big man Sotto hailed Brownlee as the Michael Jordan of Philippine basketball for all he’s done and continues to accomplish for the country on the international stage.
“I mean, the world [doesn’t] really know much about Justin Brownlee. But for me, he’s the Michael Jordan of Philippine basketball. So, you know, that’s what we expect him to do, and that’s what he does every night,” Sotto told FIBA.
But it wasn’t just any other day of office for Brownlee as his heroics helped the Philippines close in on its dream of returning to the Olympics with an intact basketball squad raring to do whatever it takes.
Sotto himself had an awesome showing for the Nationals and carried out 18 points that went with eight rebounds to place third in the overall individual standings.
“He is going to go out there, he just goes out there with his A game every single night. He’s a great teammate. He’s a great player. And we’re very blessed. We’re very lucky to have him,” said Sotto.
