Justin Brownlee gears up for Gilas stint after leading Ginebra to semis
Ginebra forward Justin Brownlee during the PBA quarterfinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—For most players, having to suit up for numerous games in a month may be tiresome but Ginebra import Justin Brownlee doesn’t see it that way.
Almost immediately after the Gin Kings advanced to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Brownlee turned his attention to national team duties ahead of Gilas Pilipinas’ upcoming friendlies in Doha, Qatar and the third leg of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Instead of sulking and complaining about having little to no rest with the PBA semifinals set later this month following Gilas’ campaign, Brownlee is taking the situation in a more mature approach.
READ: ‘Playoff Justin’ Brownlee propels Ginebra to PBA semis
“[I’m] looking forward to it and I won’t take it for granted,” said Brownlee after the Gin Kings’ 94-87 win over the Meralco Bolts in Game 3 of the quarterfinals Sunday night at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
“We got tough opponents coming up with the national team so I want to be sharp and ready for them and [I’m] also thinking about the playoffs and I want to try and get better.”
Just a few days after Ginebra’s semis-clinching victory, Brownlee will head to Inspire Camp in Laguna to gear up for Gilas string of games.
From February 15 to 17, Gilas will be in Doha to play a couple of games against Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt.
But that isn’t the real test yet.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas stint won’t interfere with Ginebra preparations, says Cone
On February 20 and 23, Brownlee and Gilas will be tested against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand, respectively.
“[I] haven’t been shooting the three-ball that well this conference so I’ll keep trying to work on my shot and keep it tuned up. I’m trying to stay sharp and even get better in any way I can but I’m just excited,” Brownlee said.
Brownlee hopes the stint with Gilas improves his play further ahead of Ginebra’s semifinal series with No. 1 NorthPort.
The 36-year-old Brownlee helped Ginebra close out Meralco by collecting 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
