THERE is no doubt Justin Brownlee will be a perfect fit for Gilas Pilipinas with his skill, attitude, and desire to play for the Philippine flag, according to coach Tim Cone.
“There’s nobody more deserving,” said Cone, when recently asked for his reaction to the news that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is reviving its plans to naturalize Brownlee. “He’s come here every year and he’s put up fantastic numbers and championships. And I know his personal desire is really great and he’s always wanting to do it.”
See SBP requests Senate to expedite naturalization of Brownlee, Oliver
The SBP has already requested for help from the Senate to expedite the naturalization process of Brownlee. TNT import Cameron Oliver is also being considered by the SBP as it plans to build a pool of naturalized players for Fiba competitions.
Brownlee has already showed his intention to suit up for Gilas, joining the team’s first practice last Monday in preparation for the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers this November.
Brownlee said he looks forward to being part of the team and help in any way he can.
“It’s a blessing. Ever since I came here, I’ve been wanting to be naturalized. Just the opportunity to represent the Philippines, they showed a lot of love to me. I just want to try to, if I get an opportunity, to just help out as much as I can with the team. Even if I don’t play, just being around with the team and doing whatever I can, I’m willing to help out and represent the country,” Brownlee said.
Justin Brownlee, 34, can still deliver for the Philippine team, says Tim Cone.
House Bill 8016 sought for the naturalization of Brownlee, but the process stalled. Brownlee said he had already submitted everything that was required for the naturalization procedure to start.
“I submitted all the info that they need as far birth certificate and stuff like that. I think I turned in everything I need so I think it’s just the process, the Senators signing the bill, and getting it done,” Brownlee said.
Some fans though have expressed apprehension towards the development as Brownlee is 34 years and might be too old for being a naturalized player of Gilas Pilipinas.
Cone doesn’t agree with those sentiments as he thinks that the longtime PBA import still has a lot to give even at this point of his career. The Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach also said Brownlee is perfect for the role of being the stand-in naturalized player during the times when Jordan Clarkson is not available.
“I know that there’s a feeling that he might be two or three years too late because he’s already more than 30. But you know, Justin’s got a lot to give. He’s not going to be around for the next years. But he could be the stop-gap for when Jordan Clarkson’s not around,” Cone said.
Cone also said Brownlee is a proven winner, and that mentality will be vital for Gilas Pilipinas once he becomes available as the naturalized player.
The most important thing for Cone is that Brownlee loves the Philippines and the people.
“I know that Sean Chambers would have loved to be that guy. Fifteen, twenty years ago, he would have loved to be that guy. He still thinks of himself as being Pinoy. And I know Justin feels the same way,” said Cone.
Cone said he already sees that Gilas Pilipinas players and coaches are going to like having Brownlee around during practices and games.
“I tell you, the Gilas players are going to love playing with him and Chot Reyes’ going to love coaching him,” said Cone.
“Justin is one of those guys that wins everywhere he goes. So it’s not just winning here. He’s won everywhere. So I think he’s a great choice,” said Cone.
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