AFTER a memorable one-and-done stint with University of the Philippines capped by a title in the last UAAP cage wars, Fil-Am big man Quentin Millora-Brown is keeping his fingers crossed he would also get the chance to don the country’s tri-colors.
But as a local—and not as a naturalized player like his status right now in FIBA-sanctioned tourneys.
“We’re just hopeful that the appeal will go through and that I’ll be changed from naturalized to local,” Millora-Brown, 24, said. “There’s an appeal in the works. The lawyers and my agent are kind of taking care of that.
“I don’t really have all the details on that but if you want to know more about that, they can probably tell you more if you reach out to them,” he added.
The 6-foot-10 Millora-Brown said it is his dream to play for Gilas Pilipinas and described the chance to “no way he can turn it down.”
“It would be amazing. There’s so much respect for all of those guys and absolutely, just the ability to play for your country is amazing,” Millora-Brown said. “So, if that comes up, there’s no way I could turn it down.”
“They’re a well-coached team, they have so much experience, so much talent,” Millora-Brown, whose late grandfather was a proud UP alumnus, said. “I’m excited to see how they perform over there and I hope that they do just a little better just because of us.”
The feeling is mutual for National coach Tim Cone, who lauded the Washington, D.C.-born and Virginia-raised center in their send-off game against Millora-Brown’s Macau Black Bears last Monday night.
Millora-Brown had six points, seven rebounds, and two assists in the exhibition tiff.
“He’s awesome, man. I’d love to have him. I’d love to have him, man. He is physical. He gets to the offensive boards really well and he lands, great size. But it’s not there yet,” he said. “I mean, I can dream and wish. I dream we had Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, you know, that’s not possible either.
“So, if I had an opportunity, I would love to have QMB on the team.”
