Justin Brownlee may now finally return to the hardwood.
The Barangay Ginebra resident import, who has sat out since Gilas Pilipinas’ stint at the 19th Asian Games last October, has received his clearance to play from FIBA, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced today.
“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 in a statement.
According to the SBP, “FIBA issued Brownlee a Notice of Charge carrying a proposed three-month Period of Ineligibility in relation to an anti-doping rule violation that occurred during the 19th Asian games.”
The multiple-time PBA champion previously got flagged for failing a drug test, Testing Agency (ITA) announced last year.
The 2023 SEA Games and 19th Asiad gold medalist then opted to serve a ‘provisional suspension period’ that started last November 9, and Brownlee’s decision gave SBP Executive Director Erika Dy and head coach Tim Cone optimism that he will be spared from a grave sanction.
While the decision made him miss Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s bid to defend the crown in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, it has benefitted Brownlee, Ginebra, Gilas, and the whole country in the long run.
He is a part of Cone’s 12-man pool who is expected to be the core of GIlas’ roster for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers later this month, meaning that he can now reinforce the Philippines once again.
“I can’t wait to play basketball again and put all of this behind me,” said the former Best Import of the Conference awardee.
“It’s always been an honor to represent the Philippines and I’m happy to be given the chance again,” he added.
And now that “Justin Noypi’ can resume play, Panlilio is optimistic that he will just fit in well with the rest of the squad.
“Having him as our naturalized player alongside some of our locals that he has already played with before will be beneficial to the squad,” said the SBP president.
Alongside JB are fellow Ginebra stars Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo, as well as June Mar Fajardo, Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, and CJ Perez whom he shared the floor with during the Hangzhou Games.
He will also be reuniting with some players whom he fought with duing the 2023 FIBA World Cup as Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu are also in the pool.
Gilas returnees Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo are also expected to play alongside Brownlee for the first time.
“Justin Brownlee is a big part of the team and the program moving forward and having him means we can hit the ground running,” Cone said.
“He’s already played with most of the guys so chemistry will already be there. He can now ramp up his conditioning and be ready to go once his suspension is lifted,” he added.
The Filipino hoopers will face Hong Kong at the Tsuen Wan Stadium on February 22 to open the first window.
They will then face Chinese Taipei on February 25 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
