Justin Brownlee arrives in PH for Gilas Pilipinas duties

Gilas Pilipinas Justin Brownlee against Australia during the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup quarterfinals. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Justin Brownlee is finally in the country to join Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation for the first window of the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers.

Jun Atienza, who does utility work for Barangay Ginebra and Gilas, first posted a photo of himself and Brownlee shortly after the naturalized player emerged from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas later confirmed Brownlee’s arrival on its social media accounts, posting an artcard with the words “Welcome Home!”

Brownlee’s arrival should give Gilas a massive boost going into the home-and-away matches against Guam on the road on Nov. 28 and on Dec. 1 at Blue Eagle Gym inside the Ateneo campus amid concerns of his availability.

The long-time Ginebra import has yet to suit up for Meralco in the East Asia Super League in what was supposed to be a rare alliance with rival Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

The first window is the start of Gilas’ bid to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

Gilas is in Group A which also has Australia and New Zealand. The top three teams will advance to the next round of qualification.