Justin Brownlee of Gilas Pilipinas in action during the 19th Asian Games 2023. (Photo by Luis Veniegra / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)
MANILA, Philippines — Justin Brownlee has been cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas and will make his return in the first window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers after completing his three-month suspension due to a failed doping test in the Asian Games.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Saturday announced that the Fiba issued Brownlee a Notice of Charge carrying a proposed three-month Period of Ineligibility after he tested positive for the banned Carboxy-THC — linked to cannabis use, according to the International Testing Agency in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China last year.
“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, who led the Philippines to its first Asiad basketball gold in 61 years, missed the PBA action after his failed doping test and he can’t wait to represent the country anew when Gilas faces Hong Kong on February 22 at Tsuen Wan Stadium and Chinese Taipei on February 25 at PhilSports Arena to kick off its Asia Cup Qualifiers stint.
“I can’t wait to play basketball again and put all of this behind me,” said Brownlee. “It’s always been an honor to represent the Philippines and I’m happy to be given the chance again.”
Justin Brownlee (with ball) takes it strong to the rim despite heavy pressure applied by Jordan’s John Bohannon in the gold medal match won convincingly by the Filipinos, 70-60, which snapped a 62-year wait to regain Asian supremacy in men’s basketball. —AFP
Brownlee, the six-time PBA champion, started his suspension on November 9 last year, missing the Gin Kings’ title-retention bid in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, where they got swept by the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals.
The naturalized forward, who also helped the country reclaim the Southeast Asian Games gold last year, will be reuniting with Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone and new Gilas team manager Richard Del Rosario as well as his teammates Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo.
“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.”
The 35-year-old Brownlee is part of the Gilas pool, which includes Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, Kai Sotto, and Kevin Quiambao.