THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is keeping its fingers crossed that Justin Brownlee will be able to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming FIBA Asia Cup.
Sources told SPIN.ph that no suspension has been handed out by Fiba for the 'adverse analytical finding' on Brownlee's urine sample after an Asia Cup qualifier last year.
READ SBP confirms 'adverse analytical finding' on Brownlee doping test
However, the SBP is careful not to speculate on the matter.
SBP pesident Al S. Panlilio admitted hearing positive signs about Brownlee being allowed by the world basketball federation to compete in the Aug. 5-17 tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
But until a formal announcement is made by FIBA, the top SBP official said he prefers to hear it straight from the world body.
"Unless we officially hear (from FIBA) what we're hearing about it, then there's none (yet)," said Panlilio as he addressed the issue on Friday shortly after the SBP held its National Congress at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall.
"But I'm pushing for [SBP executive director] Erika (Dy) to ask FIBA to already give us an official statement."
Panlilio said questions on the Brownlee ruling will only be answered once Fiba releases an official statement on the matter.
'I hope you don't write that he's (Brownlee) is already free because we don't want to pressure FIBA, baka inuunahan namin sila. (But) that's what we're hearing, but if I may, just wait for the official (statement). But we're hearing positively, so we want to keep it at that."
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The SBP president added what he believed was that Brownlee's case falls under the term 'therapeutic exemption,' which is for traces of prohibited drugs taken for medical purposes.
"That exemption, I think there's a range of the level of marijuana in the blood as long as you don't go beyond. And I don't think he did," said Panlilio.
"There's also on expiry on that," he added. "But obviously, you want to completely avoid any of that."
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