BROWNLEE GETS GREENLIGHT

The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) has announced the availability of naturalized player Justine Brownlee to play for Gilas-Pilipinas for the first window qualifier of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup after world governing body issued a clearance to play.

The FIBA Notice of Charge was carrying a proposed three-month suspension in accordance to anti-doping rule occurred during 19th Asian Games

"We're elated that the consequences FIBA issued does not prevent Justin Brownlee to play for Gilas in the upcoming window," said SBP President Al Panlilio. Having him as our naturalized player alongside some of our locals that he has already played with before will be beneficial to the squad."

Brownlee was tested for a banned substance foflowing Gilas-Pilipinas monumental victory in China Asiad last year

The said banned substance found in Brownlee, was a Cannabis-inspired substance, which was recommend by physicians following an operation of spur, used for medical treatment.

Thus cleared Brownlee of any further punishment from FiBA and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and allowing the “6 7’ Brownlee to rejoin the national team along teams Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, A.J Edu, Karl Tamayo,Chris Newsome, C.J Perez, Scottie Thompson, Junmar Fajardo, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo and UAAP standout Kevin Quiambao.

Quiambao is fresh from an international stint in Dubai, which he was named by organizers as one of the top performer of the tournament.

Likewise SBP has informed Brownlee of the FIBA decision through an electronic messages in residence in California.

Justin Brownlee on being cleared to play for Gilas: "I can't wait to play basketball again and put all of this behind me."

The FIBA Asia Cup first qualifying window is on Feb. 25 at Philsports Arena wherein Gilas will meet Chinese Taipei ,Hong Kong and New Zealand.