The GOAT is back

NOW that controversy that had hounded Gilas-Pilipinas naturalized player Justine “Noypi” Brownlee is behind him, following a recent decision by the Federation Internationale Basketball (FIBA) dismissing suspicion that the latter used a ban substance that would enhance his performance during Asian Games basketball championship, wherein the country won it after 61 years.

But said banned substance found in Brownlee’s urine samples was a Cannabis-inspired medication, which is similar to medical marijuana was only intended as medical purposes prescribe by his attending physician following a spurs operation. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had the 6”7’ Brownlee tested positive.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) head Al Panlilio and Barangay Ginebra and then Gilas-Pilipinas team manager Alfrancis Chua decided and asked Brownlee to take a leave of absence that started last November and would supposed to finish this February. The same three-month suspension would carry the FIBA sanction.

And true enough, Panlilio and Chua were right with their game plan not allowing Brownlee since the start of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup that last for three-months as well, thus pre-emptying the FIBA sanction and led to virtual vindication of Panlilio-Chua ploy.

With FIBA’s decision dismissing all allegation against Brownlee of any wrong and enabling PBA’s regarded as GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) import to rejoin the national squads along with 11 others hand-picked newly Gilas-Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra mentor Tim Cone.

Elated by FIBA’s decision, is no-less than PBA’s GOAT himself “It’s always been an honor to represent the Philippines, and I’m happy to be given the chance again,” I can’t wait to play basketball again and put this issue behind me.”

Brownlee, who arrived in the country last February 5, is set to join the Gilas initial team practice in preparation for the first qualifying window for 2025 FIBA Asia Cup wherein Cone’s magnificent 12 faces Hong Kong at the Tsuen Wan Stadium in Hong Kong on February 22, and Chinese-Taipei on February 25 at the Philsports Arena. New Zealand is Also in the company with Gilas-Pilipinas.

Cone’s appointment as Gilas mentor, promises a four-year program, according to PBA winningest coach hopes to resolve several issues such as team chemistry, since all the 12 man line up, he picked all been played together in the previous international event. Continuity of players joining team that would likewise prepare them to a better showing in an international competition.

Cone believes in four-years time using this type of method, the team will finally achieve cohesivenesses to meet tougher challenges and he expect Brownlee will be the centre of it, as all 12 players already familiar with each other’s playing style.

“The idea is 3 or 4 years. We should do all these windows together and keeping the continuity going, same players get to know each other better and better and better….and they will reach their full potential after four year,” Cone explained.