Justin Brownlee tempers expectations in return to Gilas Pilipinas duty

Justin Brownlee has set a modest personal goal for himself as he returns to Gilas Pilipinas for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers slated this Thursday in Hong Kong.

The naturalized Filipino cager said he made the most out of the three-month provisional suspension that started on November 9, 2023 due to an anti-doping violation in the Asian Games last October 2023, keeping himself healthy despite the lack of basketball action.

Still, the 35-year-old Brownlee is managing his expectations as he gets back to his playing form.

“I don’t expect to play at my best but I think in due time, I can get back to that level,” Brownlee said during a press conference on Monday at the PhilSports Arena.

“I’m a little bit older but I still think I got a lot left in the tank. But coming up versus Hong Kong, I hope there’s no rust. I’m a little older now so whenever I can get some rest, unfortunately it came in a way it did, but whenever I get some rest I take it.”

Brownlee is getting his first taste of basketball since October 6 last year, when he steered Gilas Pilipinas to the gold medal of the Asiad tourney, quenching a 61-year title drought for the country.

On October 13, the resident Barangay Ginebra import tested positive for the banned substance Carboxy-THC, which is linked to cannabis use. Since then, Browlee voluntarily served his suspension, which ended last February 3 following clearance from FIBA.

Three days later, Brownlee flew back to Manila and rejoined the national team ahead of the Asia Cup qualifiers, which will be the first event in Gilas’ four-year roadmap for the Olympics under coach Tim Cone.

“It was a huge relief, just coming in the practice and seeing the guys, especially the young guys,” Brownlee added.

“But just being able to be back in the country and be around basketball atmosphere, it’s great and I’m definitely ready to put the suspension and the ban past me and I’m looking forward to moving forward.”

Brownlee is also embracing his role as one of the veterans in the squad alongside PBA players June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, and Chris Newsome.

The three-time PBA Best Import shared he’s been liking the potential of their younger players like reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao and B. League imports Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and Carl Tamayo, stressing the future of Philippine basketball is in good hands.

“It’s a treat. Competing against them in practice, they’re a treat. I think Philippine basketball is definitely heading the right way and it’s gonna be in great hands with those guys,” he added.

“I think they’re gonna do incredible and I think there’s a ton of potential that they’ll represent the Philippines in a great way. “

—JMB, GMA Integrated News