JUSTINE Brownlee showed up at the first Monday practice of Gilas Pilipinas for the next window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers in November.
A person close to Brownlee said the Barangay Ginebra import was at the Meralco gym on a rainy night and met players who can be his future national teammates should his long-overdue naturalization finally proceed.
READ: SBP requests Senate to expedite naturalization of Brownlee, Oliver
The 34-year-old, two-time Best Import awardee was among the players invited to attend the first of a series of Monday practices involving members of the Philippine men’s national training pool.
Gilas' naturalized player Ange Kouame was also invited to the practice.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director and spokesperson Sonny Barrios did confirm Brownlee's presence during the practice, which was also attended by naturaIized player Ange Kouame.
Others showing up were Brownlee's Barangay Ginebra teammates Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson, who did not participate in the scrimmage to rest an injury.
Also around were CJ Perez of San Miguel, Roger Pogoy and Calvin Oftana of TNT, Meralco's Chris Newsome, Jamie Malonzo of Barangay Ginebra, Arvin Tolentino of Northport, Will Navarro, and Francis Lopez.
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