Brownlee says dominating Asia ‘very possible’ for Gilas

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As lofty as the golden goal head coach Tim Cone set for the team, Justin Brownlee and Gilas Pilipinas are out to pull off the improbable in the FIBA Asia Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee and Gilas Pilipinas did it in the Asian Games, but can they also do it in the FIBA Asia Cup?

As lofty as the golden goal head coach Tim Cone set for the team, the Nationals are out to pull off the improbable in the continental showdown to be staged in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, starting Tuesday, August 5.

“I think we kind of have put Asia on notice as far as saying that we’re here and we really want to be able to compete,” said Brownlee.

“The Philippines is growing and I think, it’s got to a point where, like Coach Tim said, we want to be able to dominate Asian basketball. I think with the team we have, I think that’s very possible to do.”

“It’s just going to take us an extreme amount of hard work and dedication from everybody to buy into that. With everybody doing that, I think it’s a bright future, to be honest, for the Gilas program.”

Winning the Asia Cup for the first time in four decades is easier said than done for the Philippines as it needs to get past formidable opponents to capture the title.

For one, defending two-time champion Australia has not lost since joining the Asia Cup, boasting of a perfect 12-0 record.

Sixteen-time champion China eyes redemption following disappointing exits in the last two editions, Japan looks ripe for the podium after making huge strides in recent years, while New Zealand and South Korea remain strong contenders.

“It’s an incredible challenge. You got some really good teams out there,” said Brownlee.

Brownlee will play a prominent role as he aims to reprise his role after he led the Philippines to a historic gold medal in the 2023 Asian Games.

He averaged 21.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.7 steals in the Asia Cup Qualifiers, where the Filipinos finished with a 4-2 record, including a breakthrough win over New Zealand.

The Philippines and New Zealand are bunched again in Group D, which also features Chinese Taipei and Iraq. – Rappler.com