Millora-Brown open to Gilas, offers clutch free throws to late grandpa

Quentin Millora-Brown celebrates with the rest of the UP Fighting Maroons after winning the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball championship at Araneta Coliseum.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Despite starring in University of the Philippines’ successful title redemption campaign, Quentin Millora-Brown’s first and only UAAP season didn’t come without adversity.

The glitz and glamor of winning the Finals against La Salle had some twists and turns before coming to fruition.

Still, Millora-Brown wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, he considers winning the UAAP championship the greatest achievement of his young career.

READ: UAAP Finals: Perfect farewell within Quentin Millora-Brown’s reach

“I think it was the perfect capstone. Right now, I think of my Lolo and I hope he’s smiling down on me with my Lola up in heaven,” said an emotional Millora-Brown after helping the Fighting Maroons hold on to beat the Green Archers, 66-62, in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m just wearing a big smile. Basketball was one of his passions along with medicine and he’ll always try to coach me.”

Earlier in the season, Millora-Brown had to fly back to the United States after his grandfather passed away and missed UP’s second-round duel against La Salle.

While Millora-Brown mourned his grandfather’s death, it also served as one of his motivations to be at his best.

And in his final UAAP game on Sunday, the one-and-done center made his UP stint a memorable one by draining the pressure-packed free throws with 11.3 ticks to go that sealed the Fighting Maroons’ second title in the past four seasons and fourth overall.

READ: Quentin Millora-Brown to miss La Salle game after grandpa’s death

The 6-foot-10 Millora-Brown, who finished with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, offered the championship-clinching free throws to his late grandfather.

“It was always free throws. We always talked about free throws and I think being able to come in and hit two clutch free throws at the end was a great nod to him. I’m just so happy,” said Millora-Brown, who was a perfect 4-of-4 from the line.

As for what’s next, the 25-year-old Millora-Brown is in no rush whatsoever but the thought of suiting up for the national team excites him.

“I have my people to take care of that [future] back home so we’ll see,” he said.

“It’ll (Gilas) be an amazing opportunity if it comes up but I’m just taking things one day at a time. I’m trying to figure out where I’ll play next, doing all that and I’m just excited about any opportunities that’ll come my way.”