CHICAGO - I wish I could say that today, August 23, is just another Sunday that we devote to family and prayer.
But it’s not.
We are five days away from Gilas Pilipinas playing against Jordan in a crucial 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying game at the MOA Arena.
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And with Justin Brownlee still unseen and unheard of, I’m nervous.
I don’t have the power of a woman’s intuition, but here’s what my rum-soaked gut tells me.
JUSTIN A’INT COMING.
San Diego is roughly 7,408 miles away from Manila, and even if the Barangay Ginebra legend makes the 16-hour flight right now, there’s no way he can shake off the debilitating effects of jet lag in time for Friday night’s tip-off.
Sleepy eyes and heavy legs have slain so many combatants in the sporting arena.
I fear that Justin, dealing with a myriad injuries to his ankle, knees and hammy, probably isn’t healthy enough for this window.
Because if he were, why wait last-minute to fly across the globe and leave little room for comfort in the event of equipment or weather-related travel delays?
The radio silence, from Justin himself and the SBP, is reminiscent of October 2023 when a sample collected returned positive for a banned substances.
Good news brings joyous noise. Bad news turns everything into a quiet place.
IT’S NOT LIKE HIM.
Justin is a consummate pro. Responsible, respectful of other peoples times.
Not being there yet while his Gilas comrades and an entire hoops-crazy nation awaits, is not like him.
Call all of the above what you want.
Signs. Clues. An omen.
They’re all bad just the same.
It’s Sunday. I pray I’m wrong.
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