JUSTIN Brownlee has yet to confirm if he is going to play in the 2026 Asian Games, with Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone ready to play with an 11-man lineup for the quadrennial competition.
Cone said in a Zoom press conference with mediamen that Brownlee is still uncertain of playing for the Asiad national team, as he still needs clearance from doctors.
Cone said they will likely leave that spot open even if Brownlee ends up not playing in Gilas' title defense.
“We haven’t had a confirmation yet from Justin whether he is going to be here or not,” Cone said on Thursday from Suwon, where Gilas will play tuneup games against South Korea's national team.
“The door is still open for him. He is still working on clearances from doctors in the States. As soon as everything is cleared up, we will have a clearer picture as well. But at this point, we don’t have a 12th player in mind to come over.”
READ: Bolick makes Gilas comeback, shows way for PH in Asian Games
When asked if there is a chance that there would only be 11 players in the Asian Games, Cone answered in the affirmative.
As he put it, “We’ll gonna be going with this one all-Filipino, unless Justin makes a last-second appearance.”
All-Filipino Gilas
Cone furthered he doesn’t mind playing with 11 players who have been training with the team since mid-August.
Difficulties, logistics-wise, in the changing of lineups was also a consideration.
“There are certain budget restraints in terms of travelling with a lot of different people, in terms of hotels, and airline tickets, and the like. We’ve kept that 12th spot open for Justin, if he could make it,” he said.
“I think we will be fine. These guys are all willing to play extended minutes. I think 11 is a really good number from a coaching standpoint in terms of not feeling like you have to force some guys who should be out there longer to play less because you want other guys to play, other guys to get satisfied. It’s easier from a coaching standpoint having often times less players than it is having more.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
