FILE–Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone and Justin Brownlee. –SBP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone showed rays of positivity on Justin Brownlee’s status to play again for the Philippines.
A few days ago, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy said Brownlee has undergone a provisional or voluntary suspension but Cone reiterated that he’s “confident” about Brownlee’s inclusion in his recent Gilas squad that is ready to play within the Fiba Asia Cup qualification in February.
“We’re confident that Justin can be there. It’s not a lock but we’re confident that he’ll be there. If needed, we’ll adjust. Like I said, we got a pair of fellows injured right away,” the Ginebra coach said at Diamond Hotel on Monday for the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA)Awards Night.
“We’ll go in a bit shorthand. I’m not the type of coach who plays 12 guys anyway.”
After Cone’s coronation because the everlasting coach of the national team, Brownlee was included within the list of players in his Pilipinas pool despite still awaiting a sanction from Fiba as a result of his doping incident after the Asian Games.
With uncertainty notwithstanding, Cone still included the long-time Gin Kings import in his lineup alongside fellow Ginebra swingmen Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo.
As for the upcoming sanction for Brownlee, Cone said he and the SBP expect to listen to something sometime this week.
“We expect to listen to something this week. He’s a part of the 12 right away nevertheless it’s still pending what happens with the Fiba sanctions. I’m really unsure how much I can speak about it without jeopardizing something which may turn it around.”
“The underside line is that we were hoping that we’ve got good knowledge that we’ll hear something this week and we do think he can be available for the primary window.”
Gilas Pilipinas’ next international run can be on the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers next month.
