CHICAGO — You know it’s not good when the word “miracle” is being invoked.
Unfortunately, that’s what Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone did when text messaging me about the injured state of Justin Brownlee.
“If by some miracle Justin declares himself before the window or the Asian Games, we will insert him into the lineup.
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“He is the ultimate plug and play player. We’d just have to limit his minutes, so the door is open.”
So my hunch was right, the prolific forward is out for the upcoming FIBA qualifying window games versus Jordan ( August 28) and Iran (August 30).
NO TIMELINE ON A RETURN.
But the press conference Cone held to address the matter on Monday produced more questions than answers.
How bad are Brownlee’s injuries?
Why can’t he travel to Manila and at least support his teammates as a cheerleader or sidelines whisperer?
Will he play for Barangay Ginebra when the 53-day break in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup ends?
And since Brownlee was already limited and hurt during last July’s window, why does it look like there is no Plan B?
BLAME GAME.
The urge to blame Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy is tempting, but the circumstances that led to Gilas going all-Filipino were beyond her control.
Ange Kouame is in France, handcuffed by a contract while Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization papers have yet to be signed by President Bongbong Marcos.
Gilas without Brownlee is like the Lakers without Luka, or San Miguel without June Mar Fajardo.
But the superman with the Ginebra cape is now 38 years old and slowly descending back to earth.
We all want our heroes to live forever, but Father Time remains undefeated.
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