A HEART issue has grounded Justin Brownlee from playing for both Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra.
This was revealed by Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Sports on Thursday morning to discuss the recent campaign in the Asian Games where Brownlee didn’t play.
COLUMN: Cone on Brownlee health issue, alleged rift with Ginebra
Cone was asked to explain the absence of a naturalized player in Gilas' lineup during the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan to Committee on Sports chairman Sen. Bong Go.
“It’s not injury concerns. He’s had health concerns,” Cone said of Brownlee's status. “That’s why he is not playing for Ginebra at this time, and why he hasn’t played.”
“He’s had health concerns regarding blood pressure, heart issues, so he is not able to play at this point,” Cone added.
Cone’s revelation means that Brownlee could be missing more time, or even be out of basketball altogether if the health issue persists.
Brownlee has missed the last three Gilas games across two windows in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
In the game against Australia during the July window, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said that Brownlee skipped the match due to a hamstring strain and peroneal tendinopathy on his right leg, and swelling and cartilage defects in his left knee.
Brownlee has also not played in the PBA since Game 7 of the 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup last June 18 where Barangay Ginebra won the crown over TNT.
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