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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Gilas sticks with same lineup, eyes redemption against Australia

    Gilas sticks with same lineup, eyes redemption against Australia

    Continuity will be the approach for Gilas Pilipinas as it heads into another high-stakes test in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, with head coach Tim Cone opting to keep the same 12-man lineup for Sunday’s showdown against Australia men’s national basketball team at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The decision comes after a heartbreaking 69-66 loss to the New Zealand men’s national basketball team, a game that showed both the promise and the growing pains of the current Gilas core.

     

    Now sitting at 2-1, the Philippines faces an uphill climb against an unbeaten Australian side that recently handled Guam, 93-80. Rather than overhaul the rotation, Cone is leaning on familiarity—believing that experience against elite competition will ultimately sharpen the team.

     

    “that we get by playing these guys more and more. I think it just helps us to come up with ways to be successful,” Cone said of the upcoming matchup against Australia, referencing their previous 84-60 defeat in continental play.

     

    One of the biggest storylines entering the matchup is the expected bounce-back performance of naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who struggled mightily against New Zealand with just four points on 2-of-10 shooting while missing all four attempts from beyond the arc.

     

    Brownlee will again anchor a deep frontline rotation alongside AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and June Mar Fajardo—a group that reflects the program’s continued shift toward length and versatility.

     

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    Despite Brownlee’s off night, Gilas showed flashes of offensive balance, particularly from Dwight Ramos, who led the team with 16 points, and CJ Perez, who added 15 markers in an aggressive scoring effort.

     

    Juan Gomez de Liaño also provided a spark with 10 points, including two triples, marking a strong first appearance for the national team since the 2023 qualifiers.

     

    Completing the backcourt rotation are Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, and Scottie Thompson, forming a defensive-minded guard group tasked with containing Australia’s perimeter attack.

    Australia enters the contest with a balanced roster led by veteran wing Mitch Creek, along with a mix of international league standouts including Nick Kay, Jack White, and Sam Froling—continuing the program’s tradition of depth and physicality.

     

    Their structured system and size present another major challenge for Gilas, which has struggled in recent meetings against Oceania powerhouses.

     

    Despite the narrow defeat to New Zealand, the Philippine side showed improved defensive discipline and late-game resilience—signs Cone hopes will translate into a stronger performance in the rematch against a higher-ranked opponent.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has also called on fans to wear blue for the home game, aiming to recreate the electric atmosphere that nearly fueled a comeback in the previous outing.

    For Gilas, the approach is clear: stay the course, trust the chemistry being built, and turn lessons from close losses into momentum.

     

    Against Australia, continuity will once again be put to the test.

     

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  •  Is It Time for Gilas Pilipinas to Move On From Justin Brownlee?

     Is It Time for Gilas Pilipinas to Move On From Justin Brownlee?

    For nearly a decade, Justin Brownlee has been more than just a naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas—he has been a cultural touchstone and the backbone of some of the program’s biggest successes in modern history. From helping the Philippines capture its first Asian Games basketball gold in over 60 years to leading scoring in FIBA qualifiers, Brownlee’s impact has been undeniable. But after his worst performance yet in the recent loss to New Zealand Tall Blacks and with age rapidly becoming a factor, it’s worth asking: Is it finally time for Gilas to begin moving on from Brownlee? 

     

    Brownlee’s Legacy and Recent Struggles

     

    Statistically, Brownlee has been nothing short of dominant when healthy and integrated into the national team. In the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, he averaged a remarkable 21.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, leading Gilas in scoring and efficiency through the group stages. Across multiple FIBA events, his overall national team averages sit around 22.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, showing just how pivotal he has been for the Philippines.

     

    Yet despite those strong numbers, his production is no longer as reliable as it once was. In the recent World Cup Asian Qualifier against New Zealand—one of Gilas’ most critical games—Brownlee’s impact was muted relative to his past performances. While official game stats for that specific contest are still being digested, analysts and fans alike noted it was arguably his poorest showing in a qualifier, underlining a growing concern that he may not be the same game-changer he was earlier in his Gilas tenure. 

     

    The multiple time PBA Best Import has had games where he was limited to single digits like the previous game against the Tall Blacks, where he was held to just eight points in their FIBA Asia Cup game against Iraq where he shot only 3-for-11 from the field. 

     

    Age is an unavoidable factor. At 38 years old, Brownlee is playing well past what is traditionally considered a basketball prime, especially in the physically demanding environment of international competition. Opposing teams have scouted him relentlessly, and defenses increasingly key in on limiting his touches—forcing Gilas’ offense into predictable patterns.

     

    A New Era: The Case for Bennie Boatwright

     

    Enter Bennie Boatwright, a 27-year-old big man who has agreed to start the naturalization process to play for the Philippines. Boatwright brings a different profile: younger, taller, and with the versatility to play multiple frontcourt positions. Standing at 6-foot-10 with solid shooting and mobility, he represents a more long-term solution for Gilas’ naturalized slot as the program builds toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup and even the 2028 Olympics.

     

    Unlike Brownlee—whose best years behind him are offset by high basketball IQ and clutch play—Boatwright offers the chance to build around a player whose athletic timeline aligns with Gilas’ future core. He doesn’t yet have a long international resume for the Philippines, but his potential upside is already turning heads among fans and analysts. 

     

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    Why Gilas Can’t Always Rely on One Man

     

    There’s no question Brownlee has contributed in monumental ways. His ability to create off the dribble, score in bulk, and shoulder offensive loads helped Gilas punch above its weight in multiple tournaments. But basketball, particularly at the international level, thrives on sustainable depth and evolving team identity—not dependence on a single veteran, no matter how legendary.

     

    Gilas’ recent struggles against New Zealand showed what happens when Brownlee isn’t at his best: the team’s offense became stagnant, and the burden shifted to younger role players who are still finding their footing. The Philippines cannot afford to lean on one import who may understandably slow with age, especially when the rest of the roster is trying to develop its own international confidence.

     

    The presence of guards like Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and emerging bigs like AJ Edu and Carl Tamayo means the foundation for a more balanced Gilas is already being laid. What Gilas needs now is a naturalized player whose physical prime coincides with the growth trajectory of the local core—a role Boatwright is primed to fill.

     

    Conclusion: Respect the Past, Plan for the Future

     

    Brownlee’s contributions to Gilas will be remembered as pivotal chapters in Filipino basketball history. But the landscape is shifting. The team’s results, his age, and the arrival of a younger naturalized option like Boatwright suggest it may be time to transition rather than abruptly replace. Gilas doesn’t need to cast Brownlee aside—it needs to evolve beyond the era in which one man was the team’s heartbeat.  

     

    It’s no doubt that “Magic” Brownlee will always be hailed as the best naturalized player to ever play for Gilas, a figure who captivated fans with his clutch performances, scoring bursts, and veteran leadership whenever the stakes were high. From unforgettable runs in FIBA Asia Cups to spearheading historic victories, Brownlee’s influence extended beyond points and rebounds—he elevated team confidence and helped redefine what Filipino basketball could achieve on the international stage.

     

    If the national program wants sustainable success on the biggest stages, the question isn’t if Gilas should move on from Brownlee—it’s how they manage that transition with respect, strategy, and a focus on the next generation.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos vows bounce-back game as Gilas falls short vs New Zealand

    Dwight Ramos vows bounce-back game as Gilas falls short vs New Zealand

    A late surge sparked by Dwight Ramos nearly rescued Gilas Pilipinas from the brink, but the comeback ran out of time as the Nationals absorbed a heartbreaking 69-66 loss to the New Zealand Tall Blacks in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Thursday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    In a game defined by defensive grit and missed opportunities, Ramos emerged as the focal point of Gilas’ late push—but also its most honest critic afterward.

     

    Trailing by nine with just over three minutes left, the Philippines looked headed for a decisive defeat. Instead, Ramos ignited a final rally, scoring five straight points in the closing minute to cut the deficit to two. His deep triple brought the crowd back to life, and his second-chance layup kept Gilas within striking distance after a defensive stop.

     

    When New Zealand missed a crucial free throw in the final seconds, the door briefly opened. Ramos pushed the ball upcourt and launched a long attempt from near the logo, hoping to force overtime—but the shot bounced off the backboard and rim as the buzzer sounded.

    Despite leading Gilas with 16 points, Ramos struggled with efficiency, finishing 6-of-21 from the field—a stat line that weighed heavily on him after the game.

     

    “It’s kind of tough because I missed a lot of shots. Obviously, I missed the last shot. I feel bad. I wish I was better today,” said Ramos, who led the team with 16 points, although he shot on a 6-of-21 clip.

     

    The loss wasn’t defined by the final possession alone. Ramos acknowledged that the outcome was shaped by missed chances throughout the contest.

     

    “Hopefully, we all learn. It’s a close game. Every possession counts. I’m just trying to be better,” he said.

     

    Currently playing for Levanga Hokkaido, Ramos emphasized that stepping up offensively was part of sharing the load with naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who drew heavy defensive attention all night. 

     

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    “I mean, I just try to stay aggressive because obviously, a lot of the focus was on JB [Justin Brownlee]. If you just watch him and expect him to do everything, it’s a lot of load on him. Everyone has to be aggressive and play their part. I just try to do mine. I was not the best today, and I’ll just try to be better moving forward.”

     

    “I was trying to bank it in, and it just didn’t fall. But it’s not just about that shot, you know? I missed a lot of other shots, and I just have to be better in the future,” Ramos told reporters after finishing with 16 points on 6-of-21 shooting, along with eight rebounds, two steals, and one assist.

     

    For Ramos, the narrow defeat quickly shifts from frustration to urgency. Gilas faces another major test against the Australia men’s national basketball team, a matchup that leaves little time for the team to dwell on mistakes.

     

    “Right now, all I can think about is my mistakes. I feel bad, but I gotta move on to the next game,” the Levanga Hokkado baller added.

     

    The upcoming clash also marks a renewed chapter in the Philippines-Australia rivalry, with veteran guard Mitch Creek returning to the Boomers’ lineup. Ramos believes the lessons from the New Zealand game—and a productive training camp—can help Gilas respond.

     

    “I think so. The coaches had a great game plan today, and the training camp was great. I think the game was this close because of the players’ effort and also the coaches’ game plan. We did a great job, and we’re all learning at the same time to try to be better,” Ramos shared.

     

    “We’re gonna try and learn from this game. It was a close game; obviously, there’s a lot to learn because every possession counts. We’re gonna check over the mistakes and learn from this.”

    While the loss stung, Ramos’ late-game charge highlighted a growing leadership role—one that Gilas will need as it attempts to regroup quickly and defend home floor in its next outing. 

     

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  • Bella Belen’s scoring surge continues with sixth straight 20-Point game for Capital1

    Bella Belen’s scoring surge continues with sixth straight 20-Point game for Capital1

    Consistency has become the defining theme of Bella Belen’s breakout run in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, as the young star once again powered the Capital1 Solar Spikers with another 20-point performance—her sixth straight game at that level.

     

    In a grueling five-set battle against the Farm Fresh Foxies, Belen delivered 23 points built on 20 attacks and three blocks, while also anchoring the floor with 12 digs and 19 receptions. More importantly, she struck the decisive point in the closing stretch of the fifth set to seal Capital1’s third win of the conference after a marathon two-hour, 28-minute contest.

     

    Her latest outing reinforced a growing pattern: Belen is no longer producing isolated scoring explosions—she is delivering sustained offensive output regardless of opponent or match situation.

     

    That consistency has been tested repeatedly. Just days earlier, the Solar Spikers absorbed a reality check at the hands of the defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, who leaned on balanced scoring from veterans Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons to complete a straight-sets victory. 

     

    Even in that loss, however, Belen still carried the offensive burden and finished with 26 points—extending her 20-point streak and further highlighting her role as the centerpiece of Capital1’s attack.

     

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    Through the early stretch of the conference, Belen’s scoring progression has been steady and impressive. She opened the tournament with multiple 20-plus point performances before erupting for a career-high 29 points in one outing. She followed that with a 28-point effort in another tightly contested match, showing her ability to sustain production even in physically demanding back-to-back games.

     

    Across those performances, her offensive range has expanded—from sharp crosscourt hits to improved transition scoring—while her all-around contributions in reception and defense continue to grow.

     

    The numbers reflect her dominance, Belen currently leads the All-Filipino Conference with 155 total points, creating a sizable gap over the next closest scorer, Trisha Tubu, who has 110. The margin underscores not just volume but consistency—Belen has remained productive regardless of match outcomes.

     

    More telling than the totals, however, is how Capital1 has begun to evolve around her. While earlier games leaned heavily on Belen’s offense alone, the Solar Spikers’ recent win over Farm Fresh showed improved support scoring and defensive structure—an encouraging sign for a team still building its identity.

     

    For now, though, the storyline remains clear. Win or lose, Bella Belen continues to deliver—and with six straight 20-point games, she is shaping one of the most consistent individual runs of the conference.

     

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  • Calvin Abueva urges patience as Converge FiberXers build chemistry

    Calvin Abueva urges patience as Converge FiberXers build chemistry

    Early buzz around the Converge FiberXers continues to grow, but Calvin Abueva is making sure the conversation stays grounded.

     

    Despite the roster upgrades and rising expectations heading into the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Abueva believes the FiberXers are still in the early stages of building the identity they hope to carry into the midseason conference.

     

    The veteran forward spoke after Converge’s 92-87 tune-up victory over the Blackwater Bossing at the Gatorade Hoops Center, where flashes of potential were evident—but consistency and chemistry remain works in progress.

     

    “Actually, marami pang adjustment,” he said moments after their 92-87 win over Blackwater in a tuneup game at the Gatorade Hoops Center on Wednesday.

     

    “Hindi mo naman puwedeng sabihin na pagdating, agad-agad malakas, ‘di ba? Medyo hindi pa naman kumpleto ‘yung communication ng bawat isa sa amin.”

     

    Converge’s evolving roster has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. The league recently approved a three-team trade that sent Deschon Winston and Kevin Racal out while bringing in Jonnel Policarpio and Kurt Reyson from sister MVP Group squads. The move came shortly after the franchise secured Abueva himself in a separate deal—another signal that the young organization is aggressively reshaping its lineup.

     

    With the additions, optimism quickly followed. But Abueva stressed that talent alone does not instantly translate into results.

     

    “‘Yun muna ‘yung pag-aaralan namin para sa conference, mas mag-explode kami, mas maintindihan namin ang isa’t isa sa amin,” he offered.

     

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    “Kasi season na ‘yun eh. This time, kailangan namin trabahuhin kung paano ‘yung communication namin outside and inside the court.”

     

    Even for a seasoned player known for his relentless motor, the adjustment period has been real. Abueva admitted he is still learning the system under head coach Delta Pineda while managing minor physical discomfort from the team’s intense training sessions.

     

    Those minor aches forced him to sit out the preseason outing, though he clarified that the decision was purely precautionary.

     

    “In the first three days ko na nag-ensayo, OK naman. Nakakasabay. Pero ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, hindi ka makakagalaw hangga’t may iniinda ka,” he said.

     

    “‘Yun naman yung sinabi ko sa management, na hangga’t may iniinda ako, hindi ako makakagalaw. Pero ‘pag nawala ‘yan, automatic talaga, tatrabaho ako.”

     

    Still, beyond the adjustments and recovery process, Abueva sees something promising forming within the FiberXers’ locker room—particularly in the team’s competitive edge.

     

    “This time competitive na ‘yung team,” the Kapampangan star offered, “and ‘yun nga ‘yung maganda rito, mas double effort mga mangyayari sa amin.”

     

    For now, Converge’s transformation remains a work in progress—but if Abueva’s mindset is any indication, the FiberXers are prioritizing cohesion over hype as they prepare for the challenges of the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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  • Tim Cone hails Juan Gomez de Liaño as a bright spot for Gilas despite loss to New Zealand

    Tim Cone hails Juan Gomez de Liaño as a bright spot for Gilas despite loss to New Zealand

    Even in defeat, Gilas Pilipinas found a promising storyline moving forward.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone singled out Juan Gomez de Liaño as one of the biggest positives from Thursday night’s narrow 69-66 loss to the New Zealand men’s national basketball team at the Mall of Asia Arena in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

     

    While the result slowed the Philippines’ momentum in the tournament, Gomez de Liaño’s performance offered a glimpse of the national team’s evolving guard rotation.

     

    Inserted early in the first quarter in place of CJ Perez, the Converge playmaker wasted little time making an impact. He scored five quick points in just over three minutes, immediately injecting pace and confidence into the offense. By the end of the night, he tallied 10 points and two assists, highlighted by a pair of triples that kept Gilas within striking distance.

     

    Cone revealed that the performance did not come as a surprise. “He has been playing, you know, he was playing maybe one of our best, if not the best player in our whole practice camp that we had in preparation. So we’re not surprised by what he came out and did,” Cone said of Gomez de Liaño during the post-game press conference.

     

    For Gomez de Liaño, the outing marked a significant step in his return to the national setup. Though he was part of the training pool during the first window, he fell short of making the final roster. This time, his opportunity translated into immediate production—and potentially a longer stay.

     

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    “You know, he’s going to be a mainstay on this team, he’s going to be, he’s going to get a lot more, remember this was his first game in front of a big crowd and, you know, a lot of pressure,” Cone said.

     

    “He’s going to get comfortable and he’s going to do a lot more than he just did today and he did a lot today but he’s even going to do a lot more going forward, he’s a special talent,” he added.

    Cone emphasized that familiarity with the system will only strengthen Gomez de Liaño’s role as the campaign progresses.

     

    That projection aligns with the guard’s recent rise at the professional level. Playing for the Converge FiberXers, the former UP Fighting Maroons star delivered an impressive run in the last PBA Philippine Cup, averaging 19 points, 7.23 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game. His breakout stretch included three triple-doubles—most notably in his debut—and a career-high 32-point performance against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that earned him Player of the Week honors.

     

    Those numbers reflect the all-around skill set that Gilas hopes can translate consistently to the international stage.

     

    Despite the setback against New Zealand, Gomez de Liaño’s emergence gives the coaching staff another reliable option heading into the team’s next test against the Australia men’s national basketball team on March 1, again at the Mall of Asia Arena—where Gilas will look to turn a tough loss into momentum for the rest of the qualifiers.

     

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  • Choco Mucho regains form for second win after five-set thriller against Galeries Towers

    Choco Mucho regains form for second win after five-set thriller against Galeries Towers

    Momentum had been hard to find for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in recent outings, but on Thursday night, persistence finally paid off.

     

    With composure tested and energy stretched across five sets, Choco Mucho battled its way to a dramatic 26-24, 20-25, 22-25, 25-13, 15-12 victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the Premier Volleyball League 2026 All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

     

    Rather than a smooth breakthrough, the win came through tension-filled stretches and shifting momentum—exactly the kind of response the Flying Titans needed after dropping three straight matches.

     

    The turning point began in the deciding set, when Choco Mucho found itself trailing 5-8. Instead of forcing plays, the Flying Titans leaned on controlled execution and defensive discipline to chip away at the deficit. A quick scoring burst flipped the pressure to Galeries Tower, and from there, the match slowly tilted in Choco Mucho’s favor.

     

    The contest ended in an unusual fashion, as a net touch violation on Gayle Pascual during a live rally handed the final point—and the long-awaited relief—to the Flying Titans.

     

    The victory also marked the return of Eya Laure, whose presence stabilized the team’s offensive rhythm after missing two matches due to a minor leg injury. Laure finished with 18 points and seven receptions, gradually building her impact after a quiet start.

     

    “Lagi ko namang sinasabi kina ate [Sisi] kanina na pinaghirapan na naming makaabot ng fifth set so trabahuin na namin at i-keep namin ‘yung hustle na magtulungan sa isa’t isa,” said Laure.

     

    Choco Mucho initially looked in control early behind the clutch plays of team captain Des Cheng, who delivered timely attacks and service pressure in the opening frame. But Galeries Tower refused to fade, countering with improved floor defense and transition scoring in the next two sets.

     

    Erika Deloria and Jean Asis powered the Highrisers’ mid-match surge, exploiting scoring gaps to seize a two-sets-to-one advantage.

     

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    Facing another potential setback, the Flying Titans responded with their most dominant stretch of the match in the fourth set. Anchored by sharper passing and faster offensive tempo, Choco Mucho unleashed a massive run that forced a decider and completely reset the match’s energy.

     

    In the fifth set, the Flying Titans leaned on their veteran core. Sisi Rondina delivered an all-around performance with 18 points, 13 digs, and 11 receptions, while Lorraine Pecaña provided crucial scoring balance with 15 points highlighted by strong net defense and service pressure. Additional support came from Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Kat Tolentino as Choco Mucho maintained control late.

     

    Costly service errors from the Deloria-Asis combination ultimately opened the door for the Flying Titans to close out the match.

     

    With the result, both teams now sit at 2-3 in the standings—still searching for consistency, but for Choco Mucho, finally rediscovering belief after a hard-earned escape.

     

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  • Gilas second window lineup still open to changes ahead of Australia clash in FIBA qualifiers 

    Gilas second window lineup still open to changes ahead of Australia clash in FIBA qualifiers 

    Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers may already be set for its opening assignment, but head coach Tim Cone made it clear that the lineup remains flexible heading into the team’s next matchup against Australia.

     

    The national team finalized its 12-man lineup for the game against New Zealand, leaving Justine Baltazar, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario as the final cuts. However, their chances of seeing action in the same window remain alive since all three are still part of the 18-man pool submitted earlier by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

     

    Cone emphasized that the roster is being managed on a game-to-game basis, especially with the short turnaround between matchups and the evolving needs of the team.

     

    “We’ll see how things go. But no matter what happens, the players who don’t make it are still very much a part of the program and part of the pool, and can very well be the next guy up in the next window,” said Cone.

     

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    The flexibility also accounts for the absence of several pool members during the buildup, including naturalized big man Ange Kouame, forward Jamie Malonzo, and 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto.

     

    For the New Zealand assignment, Gilas leaned on a balanced core led by veteran center June Mar Fajardo and naturalized star Justin Brownlee, along with rising frontcourt options AJ Edu and Quentin Millora-Brown.

     

    The perimeter rotation features steady contributors Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson, with rookie guard Juan Gomez de Liaño serving as the new face for this window.

     

    With another high-level test looming against Australia, Gilas’ final combination could still shift—proof that competition within the pool remains just as crucial as the results on the floor.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee backs Kai Sotto’s NBA dream amid Gilas duties

    Justin Brownlee backs Kai Sotto’s NBA dream amid Gilas duties

    The balancing act between chasing a global dream and serving the national cause is once again in focus for Gilas Pilipinas, as the team prepares for the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers without one of its most recognizable young stars.

     

    Seven-foot-three center Kai Sotto is set to miss Window 2, and his availability for Window 3 remains uncertain as he eyes a crucial opportunity to pursue his NBA aspirations during the offseason of Japan’s B.League.

     

    Reports indicate Sotto plans to participate in the NBA Summer League beginning July 6—dates that overlap directly with Gilas’ scheduled road games against the New Zealand Tall Blacks and the Australia Boomers.

     

    For naturalized star Justin Brownlee, the situation reflects a familiar crossroads. Brownlee himself once chased the same dream after playing college basketball for the St. John’s Red Storm before eventually carving out a decorated professional career overseas.

     

    “I think it’s pretty dope, you know what I mean? I think it’s great for the country,” Brownlee said.

     

    Still, Brownlee emphasized that the path to the NBA remains one of the most difficult journeys in professional sports.

     

    “It’s tough, you know, that’s the best league we have in the world right now. All the best talent in the world. And I think just like any other profession, whether you could be a doctor or a pilot, to reach the top, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and unbelievable confidence in yourself to always push yourself through the bad times and things like that,” said Brownlee, who previously had stints in the G League before taking his career overseas.

     

    “So it’s a very tough task, but I do see some Filipinos, some up-and-coming young guys that really have the opportunity and potential to possibly make it.”

     

    While Sotto’s absence would leave a noticeable gap—particularly in rim protection and interior scoring—Brownlee pointed out that the Philippines is entering a rare era of depth in frontcourt talent.

     

    Players like Quentin Millora-Brown, AJ Edu, Justine Baltazar, Carl Tamayo, and Mike Phillips are gradually reshaping the national team’s identity with versatility and international size.

     

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    Brownlee believes that the emergence of these younger big men reflects the lasting influence of established national team pillars such as June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar.

     

    “Talent has always been growing here in the Philippines, and in particular now, you know, it’s the bigs — a lot of big men in the country that are really good and have potential to be great. And follow the footsteps of guys like June Mar (Fajardo) and Japeth (Aguilar), you know, some really, you know, a lot of potential — NBA size, obviously with AJ, Carl, QMB, and just everybody, all the big guys,” the three-time PBA Best Import shared.

     

    “So they’ve been doing very well, and I can’t wait to see how they play out when they start getting in there, prime with their careers.”

     

    Even with long-term storylines forming around player availability, Brownlee made it clear that Gilas’ immediate focus remains on the present window, where the Philippines faces two of the region’s toughest programs.

     

    “Australia and New Zealand are two very tough opponents. They have been, you know, doing very well and playing in every competition in FIBA, whether it’s the World Cup, Asia Cup, the Olympics, and even New Zealand as well had an opportunity to go to the Olympics, but it’s just going to be tough,” he said.

     

    “They beat us the last couple of games or a couple of times we played them, so we just want to come in the game and just, you know, try our best and try to get the win, however we can get it.”

    For now, the national team continues to walk a familiar line—supporting individual dreams while chasing collective success—knowing that both paths are shaping the future of Philippine basketball.

     

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  • Manila to host second leg of FIBA 3X3 Women’s Series in May 

    Manila to host second leg of FIBA 3X3 Women’s Series in May 

    The Philippines’ growing presence in the fast-rising world of 3×3 basketball will take center stage in 2026 as Manila prepares to host a landmark stop in the global women’s circuit.

     

    For the first time ever, the Philippine capital will stage a leg of the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, with elite international teams set to compete on May 7–8 in what organizers view as a major step in strengthening the country’s footprint in the discipline.

     

    The Manila stop will serve as the second leg of the season, positioned early in the calendar as the competition builds momentum across Asia leading into the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Project Redwings Shanghai Final.

     

    The season officially opens in Chengdu on May 1–2 before shifting to Manila, highlighting the region’s increasing importance in the global expansion of 3×3 basketball.

     

    Representing the host nation once again will be Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3, which has steadily gained international exposure after participating in the Women’s Series over the past two seasons. The program’s continued presence reflects the long-term direction set by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to develop both grassroots and elite-level 3×3 competition.

     

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    Last season, the Philippine pool featured Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, Tantoy Ferrer, Sam Harada, Kaye Pingol, and Hazelle Yam, with the squad finishing 18th out of 60 teams—a result that underscored both progress and the gap still to close against established international programs.

     

    Beyond competition, hosting duties also place Manila in a strategic role as the sport continues to evolve into one of basketball’s fastest-growing formats. The quick pace, condensed rosters, and urban-style presentation of 3×3 have made it increasingly attractive for emerging basketball markets.

     

    Following the Manila leg, the tour resumes its multi-continent journey with stops across Europe and Asia, including Vienna, Orléans, Amsterdam, Ulaanbaatar, Marseille, Baku, and Batam before returning to Asia with additional events in Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, and Takasaki.

     

    The 2026 campaign will culminate in Shanghai on September 5–6, where the season’s top-performing teams will compete for the championship.

     

    For the Philippines, hosting the event is more than just a scheduling milestone—it signals the country’s ambition to become a consistent destination for elite international basketball while giving its homegrown players a rare opportunity to compete against world-class talent on familiar ground.

     

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