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Tag: Justin Brownlee

  • Justin Brownlee injury watch looms over Barangay Ginebra as semifinal match with Rain or Shine begins 

    Justin Brownlee injury watch looms over Barangay Ginebra as semifinal match with Rain or Shine begins 

    As Barangay Ginebra shifts its focus toward the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, the storyline surrounding the Gin Kings is the condition of Justin Brownlee.


    The resident import suffered a hamstring injury during Ginebra’s quarterfinal victory over Phoenix Super LPG last Friday, creating immediate concern ahead of a crucial semifinal showdown against Rain or Shine.

     

    Despite the scare, Brownlee remains optimistic that he will be available when the series opens Wednesday at Ynares Center Antipolo.

     

    The injury happened in the third quarter after Brownlee attacked the basket and appeared to tweak his right leg on the play. 

     

    He was later forced to exit the game, but not before helping steer Ginebra toward another postseason breakthrough.

     

    “I just got a little tweak on that play driving to the rim. Hopefully, it ain’t too bad but just felt a little something. Good thing we were up big. Got to give a lot of credit to the team,” Brownlee said.

     

    Even with limited minutes after the injury, Brownlee still posted 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists — numbers that once again highlighted how central he remains to Ginebra’s offense and composure in pressure situations.

     

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    Head coach Tim Cone said the team continues to closely monitor Brownlee’s recovery, though early signs have reportedly been encouraging. 

     

    Ginebra understands that its championship hopes largely depend on the health of the league’s longtime import, especially against a Rain or Shine squad entering the semifinals with confidence.


    Brownlee himself acknowledged the challenge waiting ahead.

     

    “We’ve seen what Rain or Shine did to them. It’s a very tough game,” he said.

     

    The 6-foot-7 import believes the Elasto Painters’ pace and energy create a completely different kind of playoff test.

     

    “Their style of play is very difficult to handle. So it’s gonna be difficult for us, but we’re up for the challenge,” the 38-years-old import said. 

     

    Ginebra defeated Rain or Shine during the eliminations, but Brownlee expects that result to fuel the Elasto Painters even more in the semifinals.

     

    “We know we beat them in the eliminations, so we know they want to get some get-back for that. But we’re ready for the challenge and we just expect a hard, tough series,” he said.

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright-Justin Brownlee tandem looms as eligibility window opens for Gilas

    Bennie Boatwright-Justin Brownlee tandem looms as eligibility window opens for Gilas

    A potential frontcourt pairing is quietly gaining traction for Gilas Pilipinas—and it could reshape how the national team approaches its Asian Games title defense.

     

    The idea of Bennie Boatwright and Justin Brownlee sharing the floor isn’t just fan speculation anymore. It’s a scenario now being seriously considered, thanks to how eligibility rules for the 2026 Asian Games are currently being interpreted.

     

    At the center of the discussion is a technical detail that may work in the Philippines’ favor.

    Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Ericka Dy revealed that the initial reading of the tournament’s guidelines points to a relatively straightforward requirement—one that opens the door for more flexibility than usual.

     

    “Meron na tayong technical handbook. The rule is passport only with three-year residency,” said Dy on Monday.

     

    That clause, however, comes with nuance. While residency is required, it doesn’t necessarily mean continuous presence or even a passport issued three years prior—an interpretation that introduces what Dy herself described as a “gray area.”

     

    “Parang gray area daw yung three-year residency. It doesn’t mean na dapat three years na na-issue yung passport,” she explained.

     

    That distinction could prove crucial.After consulting with Abraham Tolentino, Dy said Boatwright’s prior stint in the Philippines may already count toward fulfilling the requirement. The former San Miguel import saw action during the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, which could serve as proof of residency under the current interpretation.

     

    “It is still possible, as per [POC] Pres. Bambol (Tolentino), I spoke to him about it, na puwede yung kay Boatwright because two years ago, he played here. So ipapakita lang yun,’’ said Dy.

     

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    Boatwright first suited up for San Miguel Beermen on December 25, 2023, stepping in as a replacement import. Since then, he has remained on the radar not just as a PBA reinforcement, but as a potential long-term piece for the national team. His ongoing naturalization process only strengthens that possibility.

     

    If cleared, pairing him with Brownlee would give Gilas a rare combination of familiarity and versatility—two players capable of stretching defenses while anchoring the team’s offense. It’s a pairing that could significantly boost the Philippines’ chances of repeating its gold medal finish from the 2023 Asian Games.

     

    Still, nothing is set in stone.

     

    “Let’s see. Ang plano naman ni Coach Tim (Cone) is to use the full Gilas team,” said Dy, referring to Tim Cone.

     

    The immediate focus now shifts to roster planning. The Philippine Olympic Committee has set an April 30 deadline for the submission of initial lineups—listed “by name only”—giving the SBP a window to include a broader pool of candidates while final eligibility clarifications are being sorted out.

     

    Dy said the federation intends to submit a list of 15 to 20 players from the current Gilas pool, with additional names potentially included. Among those expected to be part of that group are Ange Kouame and Mike Phillips, adding further depth to an already intriguing roster mix.

     

    For now, the Boatwright-Brownlee tandem remains a possibility—one grounded not in hype, but in interpretation. And as the details continue to unfold, Gilas Pilipinas may find itself with more options than expected in its quest to stay on top of Asian basketball.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee admits emotional challenge facing former teammate James Dickey

    Justin Brownlee admits emotional challenge facing former teammate James Dickey

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel continued their steady rise in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association standings with an impressive 109–96 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday, April 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Coming into the matchup with growing momentum, Ginebra delivered another balanced offensive performance, anchored by their reliable import Justin Brownlee and rising guard RJ Abarrientos. Brownlee once again proved to be the team’s stabilizing force, pouring in 30 points while orchestrating the offense and setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Abarrientos complemented him brilliantly with 28 points of his own, showcasing his scoring versatility and confidence in crucial stretches.

     

    Local standouts Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt also made significant contributions, finishing with 17 and 13 points, respectively. Thompson’s all-around presence and hustle plays helped Ginebra maintain control of the tempo, while Holt provided timely baskets that kept Phoenix at bay whenever they threatened to close the gap.

     

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    The contest was also highlighted by a compelling individual matchup between former Pelita Jaya teammates Brownlee and James Dickey III. While Brownlee ultimately emerged on the winning side, it was Dickey who delivered one of the most eye-catching statistical performances of the game. The Phoenix import flirted with a triple-double, finishing with a dominant line of 21 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists—just one assist shy of a rare feat.

     

    Despite the competitive nature of the matchup, Brownlee admitted after the game that facing a close friend added a unique layer of difficulty.

    “It’s kind of hard going up against a friend or a pare. But when you get on the court, you just got to go in. He went at it and tried to go at him as hard as I can without showing that friendship. But I think it was great, it was very fun, and competitive,” Brownlee said.

     

    The veteran import also revealed that he shared a brief moment with Dickey before tip-off, encouraging him to play his usual game despite the personal connection between them.

     

    “I just told him to go out there and play your game, play hard because we are not going to take it easy on you. He had a huge game for them, he did a lot for them on both ends of the floor. He’s a tough competitor, he’s a great person, a great guy off the court. I think everybody knows I played with him in Indonesia, and he’s a great teammate,” he added.

     

    Ginebra’s latest win reflects a team that is beginning to hit its stride at a crucial point in the conference. With improved ball movement, consistent scoring options, and defensive intensity, the Gin Kings are positioning themselves as a serious contender as the elimination round progresses.

     

    For Phoenix, the loss underscores the challenge of containing high-powered offenses despite strong individual efforts. Dickey’s near triple-double performance was a bright spot, but the Fuel Masters will need more collective consistency as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.

     

    Barangay Ginebra now turn their attention to their next assignment against the Terrafirma Dyip on Saturday, April 18, at the Ynares Center. With several days to rest and regroup, Brownlee and the Gin Kings will aim to sustain their upward trajectory and further strengthen their position in the standings as the race for playoff spots intensifies.

     

     

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  • Justin Brownlee eyes Philippine citizenship for son as young basketball star charts his own path

    Justin Brownlee eyes Philippine citizenship for son as young basketball star charts his own path

    Justin Brownlee, current Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player and Barangay Ginebra star player revealed that he is considering the possibility of his 14-year-old son, Justin Jr., becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen. 


    If successful, the teenager could play as a local for the Philippines once he obtains his passport before turning 18.

     

    “I think we are trying to work on it (Philippine passport), hopefully this year or maybe sometime soon,” Brownlee said on Friday, signaling the family’s intent to open doors for the young athlete.

     

    Justin Jr. is already making waves in his own right. Recently, he played a pivotal role for Fil-Am Nation LA, scoring 15 points to help secure a 101-81 victory over Blue Steel Basketball in the Manila Live 14-under invitationals final at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

     

    Though just starting his basketball career, the teen is showing signs of the competitive drive that has defined his father’s professional journey.

     

    While naturalization could allow Brownlee Jr. to follow in his father’s footsteps with Gilas Pilipinas, Justin Sr. emphasizes that his son’s path should remain uniquely his own. 

     

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    The elder Brownlee, who completed his naturalization in 2023 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 11937, has always been a fixture in the Philippines’ national team, but he encourages individuality in his son.

     

    “He’s got his own game. He’s trying to create his own identity and personality,” Brownlee said.

    The young Brownlee also harbors ambitions beyond the Philippines. Like many aspiring basketball players, his first dream is to make it to the NBA. 

     

    “His first dream is the NBA, like most kids,” Brownlee Sr. noted. Justin Jr. has already set his sights on the Golden State Warriors and cites Kobe Bryant as his all-time favorite player.

     

    Recent changes in FIBA regulations have made the timing for potential naturalization more favorable. 

     

    The age cut-off for non-restricted players was raised to 18 from 16 last December, giving Justin Jr. a window to secure his Philippine passport while still young enough to play as a local.

     

    Even as comparisons to his father are inevitable, the Brownlees are focused on letting the younger player forge his own path, blending heritage and ambition with personal growth.

     

    Justin Jr.’s journey is shaping up to be a unique fusion of Filipino pride and global aspiration—a story that could one day mirror, but never replicate, the legacy of his father.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee, Abarrientos rescue Ginebra as CJ Cansino helps Meralco regain footing in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Justin Brownlee, Abarrientos rescue Ginebra as CJ Cansino helps Meralco regain footing in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos delivered when Barangay Ginebra needed them most, turning a sluggish start into a gutsy comeback that kept the Gin Kings moving in the right direction in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Brownlee shook off a rough opening half and found his rhythm late, while Abarrientos stayed aggressive throughout as Ginebra erased a double-digit deficit and escaped with a 99-93 victory over Converge on Sunday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win pushed the Gin Kings to 2-1 in the conference and highlighted a growing chemistry between their veteran import and rising local guard.

     

    Brownlee finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, overcoming his early struggles by taking command in the closing stretch. Abarrientos backed him up with a conference-high 32 points, along with four assists and three rebounds, giving Ginebra the offensive spark it badly needed.

     

    Troy Rosario quietly played a major role inside, posting a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds while helping stabilize the Gin Kings in a physical battle.

     

    For much of the first half and the early part of the third quarter, Converge looked poised to control the game.

     

    The FiberXers built a lead that reached 10 points and kept Ginebra on the back foot, forcing the Gin Kings to chase the pace. But once Brownlee and Abarrientos began attacking in rhythm, the game shifted.

     

    Back-to-back baskets from the duo, along with timely triples from Nard John Pinto, fueled the turnaround as Ginebra surged ahead, 81-74, after trailing for most of the night.

     

    The FiberXers answered with a run of their own and briefly reclaimed the lead, 93-92, threatening to spoil Ginebra’s comeback. But in the decisive moments, the Gin Kings were steadier.

     

    Rosario and Abarrientos calmly knocked down free throws, and Brownlee delivered the basket that finally gave Ginebra control for good.

     

    Converge leaned on a balanced attack in defeat, with Justine Baltazar leading the way with 20 points. Mikey Williams and MJ Garcia added 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Kylor Kelley turned in a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds.

     

    The loss dropped the FiberXers to 1-4 in the conference. Both teams entered the matchup undermanned.

     

    Ginebra played without Japeth Aguilar, Kemark Carino, and Jayson David, while Converge missed Juan Gomez de Liaño, Calvin Abueva, and Justin Arana.

     

     

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    Earlier in the day, Meralco made sure its response to a disappointing loss was immediate.

     

    After stumbling against an import-less Rain or Shine side last Friday, the Bolts came out sharper and more purposeful, rolling past Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 118-105, to improve to 3-1.

     

    CJ Cansino led the charge with 26 points, setting the tone for a Meralco side that looked determined to reestablish control from the opening quarter.

     

    Import Marvin Jones anchored the interior with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Kier John Quinto added 15 points. Jason Brickman and Javee Mocon chipped in 13 and 11, respectively, as the Bolts showcased their depth.

     

    Meralco established its grip early, taking a 26-16 lead after one quarter before blowing the game open in the second period. At one point, the Bolts’ advantage ballooned to 28, with their crisp ball movement and transition play overwhelming Titan Ultra.

     

    The Giant Risers made one final charge in the fourth quarter, slicing the gap to 97-89 and briefly injecting some tension into the contest.

     

    But Meralco stayed composed down the stretch, converting from the line and putting the game away with a breakaway dunk from Bong Quinto.

     

    John Bryan Sajonia continued his strong conference with a career-high 29 points for Titan Ultra, while Michael Gilmore added 25 points and 16 rebounds in a losing effort.

     

    Still, the Giant Risers slipped to 1-3 after failing to fully recover from Meralco’s early onslaught.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee eyes dream backcourt as Jordan Clarkson weighs Gilas return

    Justin Brownlee eyes dream backcourt as Jordan Clarkson weighs Gilas return

    The idea alone feels like a glimpse into what could be Philippine basketball’s next great chapter.

     

    As Gilas Pilipinas looks ahead to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, the conversation is no longer just about defending a gold medal—it’s about raising the ceiling. And at the center of that possibility is the potential pairing of two of the program’s most impactful figures: Justin Brownlee 

    and Jordan Clarkson.

     

    For Brownlee, the thought isn’t hypothetical—it’s something he’s already embraced.

     

    “Man, I think that’s great,” Brownlee said. “He’s obviously an incredible talent. He’s an NBA veteran. That’s something that can help the team tremendously.”

     

    Clarkson’s recent openness to returning to the national team has shifted the tone around Gilas’ future. His presence wouldn’t just add firepower—it would reshape how the Philippines stacks up against Asia’s elite.

     

    Brownlee knows exactly what that kind of player brings.

     

    “A one of a kind talent like him is hard to find,” he said. “I wish and hope it goes through. That would be great not only for the team, but for the country as well.”

     

    But this isn’t simply about assembling stars. It’s about timing, chemistry, and purpose.

     

    Gilas is still riding the momentum of its breakthrough gold medal run in Hangzhou, a victory that reestablished belief in the program. Yet within that success lies a bigger ambition—to prove that the Philippines can consistently compete, not just in Asia, but on the global stage.

     

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    That’s where the Brownlee-Clarkson tandem becomes more than just intriguing—it becomes strategic.

     

    Clarkson offers the kind of offensive dynamism that can tilt games instantly. Brownlee, on the other hand, has long been the steady force behind Gilas’ biggest wins, blending leadership with a knack for delivering in pressure moments. Together, they represent a balance of explosiveness and control—a combination few teams in the region can match.

     

    If it comes together, the pairing wouldn’t just strengthen the roster. It would redefine expectations.

     

    For now, it remains an idea—one that lives in conversations, in plans, and in the imagination of fans. But as momentum builds and decisions draw closer, that idea is starting to feel less like a dream and more like a direction.

     

    And if it materializes, Gilas Pilipinas won’t just be aiming to win again. It could be building something far more lasting.

     

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  • Gilas eyes Justin Brownlee-Bennie Boatwright tandem in Asiad title defense as Nagoya keeps passport-only rule

    Gilas eyes Justin Brownlee-Bennie Boatwright tandem in Asiad title defense as Nagoya keeps passport-only rule

    If the current guidelines remain untouched, Gilas Pilipinas may once again benefit from a crucial eligibility edge in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said it has not received any official notice of changes to the competition rules, meaning the passport-only policy used in the 2023 Hangzhou Asiad is still in effect.

     

    “Kaya nga nakapaglaro si Ange (Kouame) nun,” said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.

     

    That same provision previously allowed Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame to play together — a combination not permitted under FIBA rules, which limit national teams to just one naturalized player in sanctioned events.

     

    This time, the potential tandem could shift to Brownlee and Bennie Boatwright — provided Boatwright’s naturalization papers are officially signed before the September tournament.

     

    If the passport-only rule holds, both players could legally share the floor in Nagoya, giving Gilas a potent inside-out duo to defend its Asian Games crown.

     

    SBP remains cautiously optimistic but careful not to assume anything.

     

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    “As of now there’s no official advice about the change in rules. Ang alam namin passport-only rule ang allowed pa rin,” said Dy.

     

    The possibility doesn’t end there. With Mike Philips and Quentin Millora-Brown already recognized as locals by FIBA, Gilas could field one of its deepest Asian Games rosters in years.

     

    “Yes, both can play in the Asian Games,” Dy added.

     

    The passport-only rule was instrumental in the Philippines ending its 61-year drought in Hangzhou, where Gilas defeated Jordan in the final after a stunning semifinal comeback against China. Whether that same regulatory window remains open in Nagoya could once again shape the team’s championship blueprint.

     

    For now, SBP waits — and prepares — under the assumption that the rule that once unlocked history may still apply.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee stands by Tim Cone amid Gilas criticism 

    Justin Brownlee stands by Tim Cone amid Gilas criticism 

    The noise came quickly.

     

    After Gilas Pilipinas absorbed consecutive losses to New Zealand and Australia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the spotlight swung hard toward one man — Tim Cone. And with it came the familiar debate: Is the triangle offense still fit for the modern international game?

     

    Justin Brownlee isn’t entertaining that conversation.

     

    For the naturalized forward who has won titles under Cone for nearly a decade with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the criticism feels premature — and misplaced.

     

    “The triangle is a little difficult to learn, but I think once you learn it, it can definitely benefit your offense, as far as getting you easy shots,” Brownlee said.

    In today’s global game, where pace-and-space principles dominate and quick-trigger threes are currency, Cone’s read-and-react system has been labeled by some as too deliberate. It demands spacing discipline, synchronized cuts, post reads, and instinctive reactions — elements that thrive on continuity.

     

    And that’s where the Gilas challenge lies.

     

    Unlike a PBA club that trains daily, the national team gathers in short windows. Chemistry must be built quickly. Timing must be rediscovered on the fly. Installing a layered system under those conditions is far different from refining it over months.

     

    “It’s kind of difficult maybe going from one offense and going to another offense to be fluent in it. But you also got to credit the other team that we played. You know, they’re really tough,” Brownlee said.

     

    Cone’s resume, however, speaks loudly. Twenty-five PBA championships. Decades of sustained success. A system that, when mastered, generates high-percentage looks without overreliance on isolation or repetitive ball screens.

     

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    For Brownlee, abandoning that identity after two losses would ignore a larger picture.

     

    “We got a lot of learning experience from those two games. Of course, we didn’t get to win and things didn’t go our way. But I think the experiences we got from the window is gonna be very helpful to carry it over into the next games with Australia, the next window,” he said.

     

    “And even after that, we take those over to the next teams we’ll face.”

     

    To him, the qualifiers are not a referendum — they are a process.

     

    And while public debate often centers on X’s and O’s, Brownlee frames it around trust.

    “Obviously, over the years I’ve been playing with coach Tim, he has done an incredible job coaching the triangle. And obviously, guys from Ginebra have put a lot of time in the triangle,” he said.

     

    “At the end of the day, coach Tim is a very brilliant coach. He’s been coaching the triangle for years. It ain’t no secret why he’s the best coach in the Philippines. You know, he’s got the championships, he’s got the accolades and everything to back it up.”

     

    As the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup approaches, Brownlee has already returned to Ginebra practices — back under Cone, back within the triangle’s familiar geometry.

     

    “I didn’t start practice yet, but I did go up to practice today. I just met with the team for a little bit, watched practice for a little bit, and then I’ll be back at practice tomorrow,” he said.

     

    The debate may continue outside the locker room. Inside it, Brownlee’s stance is clear: systems can be questioned. Résumés cannot.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee follows Creamline closely, lauds PVL’s lively scene

    Justin Brownlee follows Creamline closely, lauds PVL’s lively scene

    For one night, the basketball hardwood took a backseat as Justin Brownlee immersed himself in the world of volleyball. 


    The Gilas Pilipinas star spent his rest day courtside at the PVL All-Filipino Conference, catching the Creamline Cool Smashers face off against the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

     

    Fresh off a challenging second window in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Brownlee was joined by Phoenix import James Dickey, his former teammate in Indonesia’s Pelita Jaya Bakrie, for an evening of volleyball appreciation.

     

    “It feels good to be watching the game and just seeing some of the incredible athletic talent they have out there,” Brownlee said, soaking in the action from the sidelines.

     

    The 37-year-old forward has been following the PVL closely, even if he couldn’t attend games in person. 

     

    “I’ve been seeing stuff online, like on Instagram and things like that. But unfortunately, I haven’t been able to come to a game. It’s just good to be back,” he said. 

     

    Brownlee’s last live PVL experience dates back to March 14, 2024, when he watched Choco Mucho battle Cignal and praised the athleticism of high-flying Sisi Rondina. 

     

    “I love the volleyball and the PVL. I think it’s been a good time to come and see Creamline. I’m enjoying it so far,” the three-time Best Import awardee also added. 

     

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    While volleyball remains a spectator sport for him, he’s dabbled in beach volleyball and is open to trying his hand in a team setting. 

     

    “I’ve tried beach volleyball, things like that. But not really on a team as far as on the hardwood. But I definitely could try it if I need to,” the 37-year-old forward said.

     

    In keeping with March as Women’s Month, Brownlee also took a moment to inspire female athletes striving to carve their own paths.

     

    “You know, just go out there and be you. You know, I think that’s very important for you. Obviously, for women, just be you and whatever that goal, whatever that brings to the table, just be you and try to be positive,” he said.

     

    Brownlee just wrapped up an intense stretch with Gilas Pilipinas against Australia in the sFIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, helping the national team navigate a tough slate of games in the Philippines. 

     

    The six-time PBA champion and three-time Best Import awardee, is set to return to action in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup, but for now, the spotlight was on him appreciating another kind of athletic artistry — one played on the volleyball court.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee sees lessons amid Gilas Pilipinas’ setbacks in harder second window of FIBA Qualifiers 

    Justin Brownlee sees lessons amid Gilas Pilipinas’ setbacks in harder second window of FIBA Qualifiers 

    After Gilas Pilipinas suffered back-to-back defeats to New Zealand and Australia in Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Justin Brownlee opted to reflect rather than dwell on frustration. The Philippines now sits at an even 2-2 record, carrying their first-round results into the second phase.

     

    Coming off a flawless Window 1 with commanding wins over Guam, the setbacks against the Tall Blacks and Boomers reminded the team of the challenge of competing against basketball’s elite.

     

    “I think this window, it definitely gave us a lot of experience in playing teams like New Zealand and Australia. They give you that high level,” Brownlee said after Sunday’s 66-93 loss to Australia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. “These two are some of the best teams worldwide.”

     

    Gilas kept pace in the first half, with Brownlee and Quentin Millora-Brown combining to keep the hosts within five points at halftime, 33-38. 

     

    The second half, however, exposed the depth and talent of the Boomers. Led by Elijah Pepper, Tanner Krebs, and the returning Mitch Creek, Australia surged ahead, building a 17-point advantage that Gilas could not overcome. 

     

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    For the 37-year-old forward, these contests are not only a test of his own game but a vital experience for Gilas’ younger core, which includes Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, and Millora-Brown.

     

    “I appreciate the experience, just like for sure the whole team did, and the coaching staff and the whole program. They appreciate the experience. Hopefully, we just have to get better from this,” Brownlee said.

     

    Individually, Brownlee rebounded from a quiet four-point outing against New Zealand, leading Gilas with 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and a steal against the Boomers. 

     

    Yet he emphasized that personal performance is secondary to team objectives. His focus remains on guiding Gilas to wins in upcoming rematches against both New Zealand and Australia in Window 3.

     

    “It always feels good to get back into the rhythm, but unfortunately, the main goal tonight was to win. Whether I am in rhythm or not, the main goal is just to try to get the win,” Brownlee shared. 

    “Obviously, as a player, you want to try to get into rhythm and get going for your team. We just have to regroup and just come out better next time.” 

     

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