QMB exploring PBA, Gilas stints; awed by June Mar

Quentin Millora-Brown was among the many spectators during the PBA’s last playing week, watching San Miguel Beer and Hong Kong duke it out at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The University of the Philippines (UP) standout, who helped steer the Fighting Maroons to the UAAP championship, indulged fans with selfies and video greetings.

Shortly after the Beermen’s losing effort against the visitors, Millora-Brown spoke about the possibility of him also becoming a draw in Asia’s pioneering pro league.

“I’m still working with my agent to figure out what I’m going to do,” he said of the next rookie draft, where he is likely going to be up the totem pole with his 6-foot-10 height and versatile skill set.

“We’ll see. Obviously, that’s still in September. But when that time comes around, my agent and I will look at the options,” he added.

Millora-Brown already had prior experience watching a live PBA game. His first-ever was Game 6 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra, which the Gin Kings won at Araneta Coliseum.

He has since been exposed to the brilliance of June Mar Fajardo, the San Miguel cornerstone and the PBA’s eight-time Most Valuable Player.

“What a guy!” he said of the Cebuano big man and the Gilas Pilipinas fixture whom he could play against should he take the path toward the PBA.

“He’s really, really tough to guard and you can tell how hard the other teams have to work just to guard him.”

Praises for big men

Millora-Brown, who averaged 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in UP’s championship series against then defending champion La Salle, also heaped praises for other PBA big men. Before San Miguel’s losing stand against Hong Kong, Rain or Shine and Terrafirma also took the floor.

“Looking at the bigs, they have so much knowledge and experience. Just the craftiness to their game, the physicality, the speed? I mean, it’s really fun to watch. You know, I just love basketball,” he said.

Millora-Brown also let reporters in on the talks surrounding his possible involvement with the national basketball program.

“Hopefully,” he said of a potential Gilas Pilipinas stint. “I haven’t talked to any of the coaching staff, but my agent’s been talking with different people around.”