.png){kind=spacer}
1 month ago
33
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
FILE–Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee in action against New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas has ruled out the return of Justin Brownlee for the crucial fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers, which starts later this week.
Coach Tim Cone on Monday deemed that Brownlee “will most likely not play” as he has yet to arrive since Gilas began preparing for the crucial home games against Jordan and Iran last week.
“He, at this point, doesn’t feel like he’s really healthy enough to contribute,” Cone said during a press conference held at Mall of Asia Arena. “And whether that’s really injury or health, he was having some issues, obviously.”
READ: Justin Brownlee set for Gilas return ahead of Fiba qualifiers, Asiad
Brownlee sat out the Gilas’ last game of the Asian Qualifiers against Australia due to injuries on his hamstring, leg and knee that also forced him to skip the first phase of Barangay Ginebra’s campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Cone initially said that Brownlee was due to arrive last Aug. 16, but that didn’t push through as Gilas went on with its buildup minus its regular naturalized player.
Bennie Boatwright is still waiting for his naturalization process to be completed while Ange Kouame is currently playing in France.
“As it turned out, he’s telling us that he’s just not healthy enough,” Cone said of Brownlee. “So, we’re going to be attending this window, all-Filipino.”
READ: Justin Brownlee expected to make Gilas Pilipinas return in August
Gilas begins the window on Friday against Jordan before taking on Iran two nights earlier, all at MOA, with both games a must-win as it aims to catch up in the race for the top four in Group E.
The Philippines sits tied for fifth and sixth with Syria at 2-4, trailing Australia (6-0), Iran (5-1), Jordan (5-1) and New Zealand (4-2).
While Brownlee is out, Gilas has embraced the return of Kai Sotto, who will be available for both games.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
