Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center Justin Brownlee —FIBA.COM
Gilas Pilipinas can soon find relief for its Fiba World Cup build-up saddled by manpower woes.
National coach Chot Reyes said that naturalized player Justin Brownlee will be rejoining the program in Europe when Gilas figures in a slew of tune-up games in preparation for the global showcase set here in August.
“Brownlee will have to undergo a non-basketball medical procedure, so he will just meet us in Estonia,” he said.
The Ginebra import, who has been huge for Gilas since his debut in the World Cup Asian Qualifiers and its gold medal redemption campaign in the Southeast Asian Games, is one of the two other standouts being considered for the naturalized spot.
As things stand, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is the cinch to fill that role for the World Cup which will also serve as a qualification pathway to the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
The other naturalized player option is former Ateneo big man Ange Kouame.
The Filipinos wrapped up their short camp at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, on Tuesday, and will leave for Estonia this Thursday.
Gilas is also scheduled for a couple of friendlies against pro clubs in Lithuania this July.